Histological profile of the anterior and posterior lobes of the principal salivary and accessory glands of the reduviid Acanthaspis pedestris StaI. has been discussed in relation to enzyme pattern of the posterior lobe and the zootoxic substances of the anterior lobe as well as the protein fractions of the salivary gland lobes and the haemolymph.

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The feeding behaviour exhibited hy the different subfamilies or Reduviidae is distinctly correlated with the specific prey types involved. Important adaptive modifications arc seen associated with their methods of prey capture and feeding. Based on the analyses of feeding behaviour, reduviids may be grouped as (i) 'blood feeding' type, (ii) 'sticky-trap' type, (iii) 'raptorial' type. (iv) 'wait and grab' type, (v) 'pin and jab' type and (vi) 'chase and pounce' type. The oviposition methods are highly varied in Reduviidae and it is possible to assign group characteristics. but the ultrastructure of the eggs, particularly those of chorionic collar extensions and thc operculum. indicate subfamily resemblance. The usefulncss of fi:cdin,l! and reproductive behaviours and the egg ultrastructure in the biosystcmatics of Reduviidae are discussed.

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The pin and jab type of predatory behaviour of Rhinocoris marqinatus Fabricius is distinctly different from the feeding behaviour of other subfamilies known so far. The thin long legs, tibial pads, long slender rostrum capable of more than 90°forward extension, slow gait of this predator are ideally suited for efficient capture of soft-bodied prey types, particularly caterpillars. As in other predatory reduviids, visual stimuli provided by the moving prey, elicit feeding responses in Rhinocoris marqinatus and this is augumented by other sensory systems, including olfactory. The predatory feeding behaviour of Rhinocoris margin atus consists of disinct stimuli-response mediated sequences of events and based on these the feeding behaviour model for this insect is depicted.