You're not you when you're hungry: A Look Into Insect Behavior From Starvation

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Eric Carle. Illustration from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, 1969 and 1987


Do you ever think about resorting to cannibalism when the Mcdonald's drive-thru is taking too long? Many different insects result in mind-blowing decisions when put under the stress of hunger or starvation.

Behavioral analysis has been conducted on numerous different species of insects over the years. Some researchers focus more on the behaviors exhibited when reproduction occurs, dispersal, migration, or host/prey selection. At the School of Biological and Agricultural Science and Technology at Zunyi Normal University in Zunyi, China, researchers conducted a study on insect behaviors and how they adapt to different stress levels induced by starvation. Their results concluded that completely different species adapted in the same ways. 

There are many different responses insects might give when bothered by incoming disturbances. For example, some species resort to cannibalism to obtain the nutrients and strength they need to continue to reproduce. Others will early induce the stage of pupae to speed up the rate of growth, making some phases shorter, not needing as many nutrients as before. 

According to the previously mentioned study, their results were based on which physiological adaptation mechanism they chose after experiencing the stress of starvation. Here is a table provided by the study to display the reactions. 

Zhang D-W, Xiao Z-J, Zeng B-P, Li K and Tang Y-L (2019) Insect Behavior and Physiological Adaptation Mechanisms Under Starvation Stress.

Let's break this down. Researchers conducted this experiment on twelve different species of insects. Each experiences the same stress induced by starvation. The Khapra beetle, Tobacco hornworm, and the Kissing bug resulted with no main behavioral regulation, meaning there was no response to the amount of stress. But those same three did have a hunger emergency response or an immediate reaction of physiological regulation, similar to the remaining nine species. Two of the twelve species had a hunger emergency response of escaping. Those two also had the same main behavioral regulation of migration. Seeing that there are responses that happen immediately after being exposed to stress from starvation and responses that don't take effect until later in the life cycle shows that insects 'think' deeply about how they will survive to reproduce and so on.

 But why does this matter? This matters because it allows us, as researchers, to better understand insect responses to unavoidable hunger in nature. This can support future studies or unanswered questions of what will happen to a certain species if their main food source is no longer available/abundant. There are different roadblocks in nature that can put a pause or an end to a species. There are plant-killing pests, like the Emerald Ash borer that will annihilate ash trees, almost killing forests filled with them. From this, knowing what responses are given to these issues we can hypothesize what species we may lose or potentially have around for years. We can further look into this and find ways to specifically know how, when, and why insects choose to induce themselves into an early pupal stage, reduce their reproductive capacities, or even lower egg hatchability and fecundity. 

Insect behavior is a fascinating and diverse field of study, revealing intricate patterns of interaction and adaptation. Looking deeper into the minds of insects through their behaviors is one way we can become closer to knowing their thought process. Insects make up the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth, with over a million known species. Their vast array of behaviors showcases the remarkable complexity and adaptability found within this diverse group. Understanding these behaviors can provide insights into fundamental principles of animal behavior, evolution, and ecological interactions.


Narrowing our focus on small aspects of life, like these insects, can bring us an appreciation for creation. We are stewards that are responsible for the care and protection of our earth and all that inhabit it, big or small.



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