Protective role of the egg stalk in Chrysopidae (Neuroptera)

First instar larvae of Chrysopa oculata Say cannibalize more eggs without stalks than those with. In choice experiments, unfed males and females of C. oculata avoid feeding on eggs with stalks, but readily cannibalize those without. The degree of cannibalism is similar in both sexes. Although predation of eggs with and without stalks by hungry adult coccinellids is high, the stalks protect the eggs to some extent.