Cannibalism and predation by aphids

Abstract

APHIDS are usually regarded as feeding exclusively on plant sap which they ingest through stylet-like mouth parts, but they have occasionally been seen to feed on animal food. During feeding on a turgid plant, they do not have to suck but depend chiefly on the pressure of the sap for ingestion. They can, however, suck through artificial membranes on food that is under negligible pressure. This communication collates records of cannibalism and predation among aphids. © 1968 Nature Publishing Group.