The secret lives of cannibals: Modelling density-dependent processes that regulate population dynamics in Chaoborus crystallinus

Population regulation is mainly driven by density-dependent processes. In many species, mortality caused by cannibalism is an important density-dependent factor, which has often been overlooked when investigating population dynamics. In this study, we want to show the significance of cannibalism in regulating the population densities of the phantom midge, Chaoborus crystallinus. To this end, an integrative approach was used that combined experimental data with an individual-based population model of C. crystallinus.