Nymphal Cannibalistic Behaviour of Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose and Livingstone (Heteropreta: Reduviidae) to Prey Deprivation and Mass Rearing Conditions

Abstract

Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose and Livingstone was reared in groups in containers of two different sizes and also starved for 0, 2,4 and 6 days to understand the cannibalistic behaviour of the different nymphal stages. Cannibalism increased when space was limited or in crowded condition. The rate of starvation has also marked influence on the cannibalistic activity. Maximum cannibalism was observed in the first and second nymphal ins tars. Cannibalism was very less in the third and fourth nymphal instars.