Subscribe now

Life

Beetles that receive less care as larvae may become better parents

An experiment with beetles suggests that those deprived of nurture in their early life may devote more time to helping their own offspring

By Carissa Wong

19 April 2023

A roundneck sexton beetle feeding its larvae

Minden Pictures/Alamy

Beetles that receive less care from their parents spend more time caring for their own offspring.

Roundneck sexton beetles (Nicrophorus orbicollis), a kind of burying beetle, bury the bodies of small animals and feed their larvae by releasing flesh-digesting enzymes into the carcass. They can also regurgitate digested meat directly into the mouths of their young.

Christopher Cunningham at the University of Georgia and his colleagues wanted to know whether the parental care these beetles receive as larvae affects how they feed their …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account