PSYCHE 
Vol. 80 December, 1973 No. 4 
THE MATING BEHAVIOR OF 
B ROC HYMEN A QUADRA PUSTULATA (FABRICIUS)* 
By George Gamboa and John Alcock 
Department of Zoology, 
Arizona State University, 
Tempe, Arizona 85281 
Pentatomid reproductive behavior has been the subject of a number 
of papers (e.g. Kullenberg, 1947; Teyrovsky, 1949; Sou thwood and 
Hine, 1950; Leston, 1955; Kaufmann, 1966; Mitchell and Mau, 
1969; Tostowaryk, 1971; Alcock, 1971; Fish and Alcock, 1973). 
These studies have revealed considerable diversity and complexity in 
the courtship activities of male pentatomids, raising questions about 
the evolution and ecological significance of these behaviors. Answers 
to these questions ' will require additional comparative data. We 
present information here on Brochymena quadrapustulata ; loose 
aggregations of this cryptic species were observed on grapefruit 
( Citrus paradisi ) and desert broom ( Baccharis sarothroides ) in 
suburban Tempe, Arizona, from 25 February to 17 May 1973. In 
addition to written records of field observations of eight courtships, 
super-8 films of three separate courtships leading to copulation were 
utilized for detailed analysis of the mating behavior of B. quadra- 
pustulata. 
Results 
Eight complete and three incomplete courtships were observed 
between 1145 and 1540 hrs. The components of mating are out- 
lined chronologically below and illustrated in Fig. 1. 
(1) The male approaches the female (she may be moving or im- 
mobile at the time) and touches her with his antennae. If 
moving, the female may freeze with her abdomen held close to 
the branch on which she was walking or escape by running 
away. 
* Manuscript received by the editor October 9, 1973 
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