Brood cannibalism

It is not uncommon for young social hymenopteran larvae to be cannibalized. Schmickl
and Crailsheim (2001) observed that larvae of Apis mellifera carnica Pollman were eaten
following shortages of pollen in the colony during a dearth. Similarly, in many other races
of honeybees, young bees may resort to brood cannibalism following bad weather and the
consequent reduction in pollen availability (Johannsmeier 2001). 

Nakamura reported that in colonies of Apis cerana Fabricius, brood cannibalism was prevalent
even in the presence of excess pollen stores suggesting that pollen availability is not the
sole determining factor with regard to cannibalism (Weiss 1984). Brood cannibalism may
be a result of nurse bee feeding capability, with larvae on the edges of brood frames being
cannibalized first (Nakamura 1993; 1995) and maintaining brood in the centre of each
frame thereby forming the natural concentric brood pattern (Camazine 1991).

Roubik (1982) found that the stingless bees, Melipona favosa Fabricius and M. fulva
Lepeletier, showed signs of brood cannibalism towards uncapped brood but noted that
pupae were never eaten or removed from cells. The eating of older larvae has been
observed in colonies of A. cerana in an attempt to increase protein intake and avoid
absconding (Hepburn 2006). Before absconding, colonies will usually engorge themselves
on honey stores and eggs. In some cases the eating of recently capped brood has also been
recorded (Nakamura 1995; Hepburn 2006).

Weiss (1984) suggested that the consumption of a combination of larvae, pollen and nectar,
not only improved the longevity of individual bees but the additional protein from
cannibalizing larvae assisted in the rearing of young larvae to adulthood.

-- Kendall Lauren Crous (2010) Thesis, MASTER OF SCIENCE, RHODES UNIVERSITY

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