Hamdi F. auteur aut IRD Chadoeuf J. auteur aut IRD Chermiti B. auteur aut IRD Bonato Olivier auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access 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. specialized Zoophytophagy cannibalistic behaviour intraspecific predation mirid 080 076 26 4 614-621 2013 0892-7553 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010060412 10.1007/s10905-013-9379-3 0892-7553 [F B010060412] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010060412 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2013/07/010060412.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2013-07-29 2017-08-23 fdi:010060412 fre