Dubia cannibalism

[more legs 2 hold u]

Today found a half-alive, sub-adult dubia roach in my colony that had been hollowed out almost completely by its kin. When I picked it up, its legs and head still moved and it could walk somewhat. But two young roaches crawled out of its empty abdomen. I had no idea they ate their own, alive at that, so I was really surprised. My guess is that my colony could be lacking in some nutrient and turned to eating a vulnerable member of the group. Has anyone else witnessed this behavior before?

 

[viper69]

My guess is that my colony could be lacking in some nutrient

could?

 

[Liquifin]

Yes, dubias do cannibalize at times. The most you can do is have food readily available to minimize it. But it will happen at times, even my colonies experience cannibalism despite having food readily available.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Today found a half-alive, sub-adult dubia roach in my colony that had been hollowed out almost completely by its kin. When I picked it up, its legs and head still moved and it could walk somewhat. But two young roaches crawled out of its empty abdomen. I had no idea they ate their own, alive at that, so I was really surprised. My guess is that my colony could be lacking in some nutrient and turned to eating a vulnerable member of the group. Has anyone else witnessed this behavior before?

It might have just died of old age , but yes keep these buggers well fed ! .. the nymphs will eat the dead .

 

[jbooth]

Protein... Never seen it with mine, runners a different story.