Fitness consequences of sibling egg cannibalism by neonates of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

► Beetle neonates fed eggs gained mass more quickly than those fed only foliage. ► Cannibals reached each developmental stage at least 1 day faster than noncannibals. ► No sex differences were observed in the benefits of cannibalism. ► The observed development-time benefits compensate for the death of a half-sibling.