Cannibalism as Competition Strategy in Larvae of the Acorn Weevil Curculio glandium (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Curculio glandium is one of the pre-dispersal seed predators occurring in Central Europe. It associated with Quercus robur, acorns which are shelter and food sources for developing larvae. Females species, to our knowledge, lacking marking pheromones or do not use them; therefore, nature, multiple infestations (over 10 eggs larvae) same host fruit can be found. Such density provoke very strong competition, was verified this study. The survival rate body mass 695 second-instar larvae, competing various test groups (one, three, five, eight ten offered acorn, were measured video recordings made order describe their behavior determine differences between groups. Experimental observations indicated that when larvae an acorn increased, significantly decreased—being lowest consisting individuals. In latter groups, also embryo completely consumed. Video footage, along presence dead, nibbled living ones covered scars resembling mouthparts, evidence aggression cannibalism second third larval instars—behavior scarce weevils phytophagous insects general. Results confirm assumption heavily infested oak fruits, competition individuals so it involves cannibalism, at time provides strongest additional nutrients.