A review of the literature shows that predation on Hemiptera (mainly
Sternorrhyncha) by Coleoptera is widespread in the order, but little
understood, even from a biocontrol perspective. Phylogenetic information
indicates that feeding on hemipterans evolved predominantly in lineages
containing fungus feeders (Derodontidae, Silvanidae, Laemophloeidae,
Nitidulidae, Endomychidae, Anthribidae) and whose ancestors were fungus
feeders (Coccinellidae) or were sap feeders (cetoniine Scarabaeidae). Other
predators on Hemiptera whose ancestry could not be determined unequivocally
(predatory/phytophagy or phytophagy/mycophagy) are included in
families that contain a large number of species that are mycophagous
(Trogossitidae, Mycetophagidae, and Salpingidae). Because changes in diet to
feeding on hemipterans have repeatedly occurred in mycophagous taxa, and this
shift is not present in other largely predatory groups of beetles, it is
presumed that certain preconditions, which have promoted this specialised
behaviour, only exist in these lineages. Ancestral associations with sooty
moulds that grow on honeydew may have mediated shifts from mycophagy to
predation, rather than having ancestors that were predatory and attracted to a
novel prey type. Natural history data show that species that prey on Hemiptera
also feed on honeydew and sooty moulds and a model is presented for the host
shift from mycophagy to feeding on Hemiptera. An annotated list of Hemiptera
prey for beetles (exclusive of Coccinellidae) includes records for species in
the families Adelgidae, Aleyrodidae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae,
Kermesidae, Kerriidae, Margarodidae, Membracidae, Phoenicococcidae, and
Pseudococcidae.