The link between larval cannibalism in Chrysoperla rufilabris and egg stalk length

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Terrestrial Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

Lacewings are a group of insects that are used as a form of biological control against garden pests, such as aphids. Larval lacewings feed on aphids using their piercing mouthparts, and decrease the population levels of aphids in agriculture. Unfortunately, lacewings exhibit cannibalism as larvae. Presumably, lacewing adults evolved to lay their eggs on stalks to inhibit cannibalism. There is a considerable variation in the length of the egg stalk and this may affect the rate of cannibalism among larvae. To study the effect of variable stalk length on cannibalism in Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), the larval behaviors and rate of cannibalism of C. rufilabris larvae were examined on varying lengths (short, medium, and long) of egg stalks. We also examined the level of cannibalism among larvae of different age classes. Cannibalism occurred in the majority of the trials. The behavior of cannibalism in lacewings in relation to the egg stalk length provides essential information that may aid in biological control programs.

Authors

• Kaitlyn Liane Clark, Texas A&M University - Central Texas

• Laura Weiser Erlandson, Texas A&M University - Central Texas