In cases of asymmetric competition, larger individuals of many animal species have a greater probability of acquiring territory, gaining initial access to resources and finding a mate in comparison to smaller individuals. The competition among larvae of the antlion Myrmeleon brasiliensis (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) is observed in the search for space for the construction of traps, in the forage for prey, and in the occurrence of cannibalism. The body size of the larvae is proportional to the size of the traps and the success of predation. Thus, larger specimens are better competitors in terms of capturing preys (asymmetric competition). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of asymmetric competition in M. brasiliensis regarding the... |