The Web Hunter: Gut Metabarcoding of Thread Legged Assassin Bugs (Emesinae; Reduviidae)

Authors

Julia Fordham, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Samantha Standring, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

gut metabarcoding, obligate spider predators, kleptoparasites

Abstract

Thread-legged assassin bugs (Emesine) have frequently been observed on Baguada giganteus spider webs and have specialized morphology thought to evolve from hunting spiders. There is little to no research regarding the diet preferences for the majority of Emesinae species, and it remains unclear to what extent their diet consists of spiders. This research project utilized gut metabarcoding techniques to better understand the dietary behaviors of four emesine species: Emesa annulata, Polauchenia schubarti, Tagalis dichroa, and Bagauda giganteus.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Fordham, Julia and Standring, Samantha, "The Web Hunter: Gut Metabarcoding of Thread Legged Assassin Bugs (Emesinae; Reduviidae)" (2026). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026. 7.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2026/7

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-26

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Copyright Use Information

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