roach infanticide

[musihuto]

have roaches (b. lateralis to be specific) been known to consume their own eggs if they are not fed sufficient protein? also, somewhat related, is there any harm actually done in gnawing on each others' wings? :?

thanks!
- munis

 

[Alakdan]

I think cannibalism makes sense. If they are not well fed, eating their young will ensure their survival at the same time eliminating their competition for food source.

Now about the gnawing behavior. It's possible that they are stressed due to overcrowding.

 

[Alice]

i'd agree, it's the same with crickets - cannibalism is usually a sign of too little protein and/or insufficient space.

 

[musihuto]

well, i'm not sure exactly what i saw, it could have been an adult moving an egg, or it could have been nibbling...

my lateralis colony is new, so there are a mere 100 adults in a 15 gal. rubbermaid, so i don't think overcrowding is the issue... anyways, they've been popping eggs all over the place so if i don't see any nymphs in a month or so, then i'll start getting suspicious!

thanks!
- munis

i'd agree, it's the same with crickets - cannibalism is usually a sign of too little protein and/or insufficient space.

 

[bugmankeith]

They are lacking protein, feed them cooked hamburger meat.

 

[Skypainter]

Mine eat eggs all the time, even when I feed them dog food. I think when a colony reaches a certain population in a specific enclosure the cannibalism causes the colony to stop growing.