Cannibalistic behaviour of the vulnerable and endemic Baetica ustulata (Rambur 1838) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Ephippigerinae): first report |
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| Authors: | José L Ros-Santaella Eliana Pintus Karim Senhadji |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Suchdol, Czech Republicros-santaella@ftz.czu.cz;3. Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Suchdol, Czech Republic;4. Departamento de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander, 680005, Bucaramanga, Colombia |
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| Abstract: | Little is known about the biology of the vulnerable and endemic Orthoptera Baetica ustulata. Here, we describe for the first time a case of cannibalism in this species. Cannibalism across Orthoptera is well documented and is mainly associated with swarming behaviour, which is absent in B. ustulata. Given that Ephippigerinae produce the largest spermatophylax across tettigonids, cannibalism in this katydid may represent a major resource of specific nutrients for producing an optimal nuptial gift in its difficult and hostile habitat. |
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| Keywords: | food scarcity katydids nuptial gift spermatophylax |
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