Courtship and copulation behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in laboratory

The mating behavior of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stal) was investigated in the laboratory. Courtship and copulation descriptions were based on direct observations of 40 virgin couples. Results showed that males begun courtship by moving the antennae and walking toward females, immediately after they noticed their presence. Then, males mounted females and tried to copulate. In many cases, males were rejected by females. When copulation was successful, males placed the edeagus into females, turned 180o and assumed a position opposite to the female.