SummaryLittle is known about the biology of the vulnerable and endemic Orthoptera Baetica ustulata. Here, we describe for the first time a case of cannibalism in this species. Cannibalism across Orthoptera is well documented and is mainly associated with swarming behaviour, which is absent in B. ustulata. Given that Ephippigerinae produce the largest spermatophylax across tettigonids, cannibalism in this katydid may represent a major resource of specific nutrients for producing an optimal nuptial gift in its difficult and hostile habitat.