Evidence of cannibalism in Macrolophus pygmaeus, a natural nemy of Whiteflies Hamdi, F. Chadoeuf, J. Chermiti, B. /Bonato, Olivier Zoophytophagy cannibalistic behaviour intraspecific predation mirid Cannibalism and the effects of host plant, sex, time and food resources on its expression were studied for the zoophagous mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae). Cannibalistic behaviour was studied by offering 5 conspecific larvae (first instar) to newly emerging adults. Four treatments were studied: without water, with water only, with a host plant (tobacco) and with both a host plant and prey (eggs of Ephestia kuehniella). Cannibalism was observed in all treatments. In the "host plant + eggs of E. kuehniella" treatment, very few individuals displayed cannibalistic behaviour. The proportion of cannibalism was only reduced when eggs of E. kuehniella were offered. Water (free or via a host plant) was very important for both survival and feeding. The cannibalistic behaviour of M. pygmaeus should be taken into account when planning a release strategy in the context of biological control. 2013 text https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010060412 fdi:010060412 Hamdi F., Chadoeuf J., Chermiti B., Bonato Olivier. Evidence of cannibalism in Macrolophus pygmaeus, a natural nemy of Whiteflies. 2013, 26 (4), 614-621 EN