Raising butterflies in captivity has its challenges and is difficult enough already. The last thing you need is for your caterpillars to start eating each other! In this video, we are raising Fulvous Hairstreaks and many Lycaenid species such as blues and hairstreaks have larvae that are cannibalistic and will eat their siblings if food goes scarce. I've had it happen many times when larger caterpillars will eat smaller ones in the same container or even a freshly developed pupa. I guess protein is tough to come by for some species and they will take advantage of a vulnerable sibling when the opportunity comes.

It's quite frustrating when your caterpillars die from virus or finicky eating habits. Cannibal caterpillars however has to top them all! Hopefully after watching this video, you will learn a few tips on how to take care of your caterpillars and breed your butterflies with fewer issues.

#keysmoths #butterfly #butterflies #entomology #cannibal #cannibalism

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