Cannibalistic Caterpillars (Utetheisa ornatrix; Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) Fail to Differentiate between Eggs on the Basis of Kinship

Abstract

Utetheisa ornatrix larvae, in exercising egg cannibalism, do not discriminate between kin and nonkin. Under natural conditions this may not be a handicap, partly because the larvae hatch largely in synchrony and do not immediately upon emergence engage in cannibalism.