Send Message

Unveiling the Dark Side of Nature: Exploring Cannibalistic Behavior in Insects

Cannibalism in insects is a diverse behavioral phenomenon, encompassing intra and interspecific interactions, in which insects consume members of their own or other species. This behavior is driven by different factors like nutritional stress, territorial disputes, reproductive strategies and survival tactics. Cannibalism is reported in insects of various orders like Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Blattodea etc., This behaviour has significant implications on the dynamics of insect populations influencing competition, predation pressures and overall ecosystem functioning. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary drivers of insect cannibalism can provide deeper insights into insect behaviour, resource allocation and species interaction within ecosystem.