Inf1uence of different preys during the development and in the alimentary preference of Belostoma anurum Herrich-Schäffer, 1848 and B. plebejum (Stål, 1858) (HETEROPTERA, BELOSTAMATIDAE)

Specimens of B. plebejum were reared feeding only on Culex quinquefasciatus, Daphnia sp., or Biomphularia glabrata, under laboratory conditions. Significant differences in thc time required for postembryonic de velopement and also in the length of the adults were verified. No significant differences in the time required for postembryonic development of B. anurum reared exclusively preying on C. quinquejosciatus or on Pomacea haustrum/ Physa sp. were found, but significant differences in the length of the adults were verified. The mortality rate in the postemhryonic period was low in all laboratory reatings of B. anurum and B. plebejum, and all the pairs produced viable eggs. There were significant differences among the proportions of B. glabrata an d C. quinquefusciatus consumed on predation tests whith B. anurum and B. plebejum. A mosquito larvae preference was verified in all tests performed.