RESUMEN

Predators are not perfect, as some of their prey capture attempts result in failure. Successful attempts may be partly due to predators modulating their capture kinematics in relation to variation in the visual cues of the prey to increase the probability of success. In praying mantises, which have been suggested to possess stereoscopic vision, variation in prey distance has been shown to elicit variation in the probability of an attempt. However, it remains to be examined whether variation in prey distance results in mantises modulating their attempt to successfully capture prey. The goals of this study were to examine these relationships using the praying mantis system. Using 11 adult female Sphodromantis lineola, we recorded 192 prey capture attempts at 1000 Hz with two cameras to examine the 3D kinematics of successful and unsuccessful prey capture attempts. Using a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression, our results show that as prey distance increases, mantises adjust through greater and faster expansion of the forelegs and body (PC1), which significantly predicts capture success. However, PC1 only explains 22% of the variation in all prey capture attempts, suggesting that the other components may be related to additional aspects of the prey. Our results suggest that the distances at which mantises prefer to attempt to capture prey may be the result of their greater probability of successfully capturing the prey. These results highlight the range of motions mantises use when attempting to capture prey, suggesting flexibility in their prey capture attempts in relation to prey position.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Many predatory animals, such as the praying mantis, use vision for prey detection and capture. Mantises are known in particular for their capability to estimate distances to prey by stereoscopic vision. While the initial visual processing centers have been extensively documented, we lack knowledge on the architecture of central brain regions, pivotal for sensory motor transformation and higher brain functions. To close this gap, we provide a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the central brain of the Asian mantis, Hierodula membranacea. The atlas facilitates in-depth analysis of neuron ramification regions and aides in elucidating potential neuronal pathways. We integrated seven 3D-reconstructed visual interneurons into the atlas. In total, 42 distinct neuropils of the cerebrum were reconstructed based on synapsin-immunolabeled whole-mount brains. Backfills from the antenna and maxillary palps, as well as immunolabeling of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), further substantiate the identification and boundaries of brain areas. The composition and internal organization of the neuropils were compared to the anatomical organization of the brain of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the two available brain atlases of Polyneoptera-the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the Madeira cockroach (Rhyparobia maderae). This study paves the way for detailed analyses of neuronal circuitry and promotes cross-species brain comparisons. We discuss differences in brain organization between holometabolous and polyneopteran insects. Identification of ramification sites of the visual neurons integrated into the atlas supports previous claims about homologous structures in the optic lobes of flies and mantises.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

We hypothesized whether 10% praying-mantis-egg-cake (10% PMEC) can be applied against inflammatory-erectile-dysfunction and whether it could be linked to NO-cGMP-dependent PKG signaling cascade. Ninety male albino-rats were randomly distributed into nine (n = 10) groups. Group I was given distilled water. Group II and III were pre-treated with 80 mg/kg NaCl and 75 mg/kg MSG, respectively. Group IV was pre-treated with 80 mg/kg NaCl + 75 mg/kg MSG. Group V was administered with 80 mg/kg NaCl+ 3 mg/kg Amylopidin. Group VI was given 80 mg/kg NaCl + 10% PMEC. Group VII was treated with 75 mg/kg MSG + 10% PMEC. Group VIII was treated with 80 mg/kg NaCl+ 75 mg/kg MSG + 10% PMEC. Group IX was post-treated with 10% PMEC for 14 days. Penile PDE-51, arginase, ATP hydrolytic, cholinergic, dopaminergic (MAO-A) and adenosinergic (ADA) enzymes were hyperactive on intoxication with NaCl and MSG. The erectile dysfunction caused by inflammation was linked to alteration of NO-cGMP-dependent PKG signaling cascade via up-regulation of key cytokines and chemokine (MCP-1). These lesions were prohibited by protein-rich-cake (10% PMEC). Thus, protein-rich-cake (10% PMEC) by a factor of 4 (25%) inhibited penile cytokines/MCP-1 on exposure to mixture of salt-intake through NO-cGMP-PKG dependent-NF-KB signaling cascade in rats.

RESUMEN

Prehensile raptorial forelegs are prey capturing and grasping devices, best known for praying mantises (Mantodea) within insects. They show strong morphological and behavioral adaptations toward a lifestyle as generalist arthropod predators. In the past, few species of Mantodea were investigated, concerning morphological variability of the raptorial forelegs. Especially the knowledge of foreleg anatomy in the light of functional and comparative morphology is scarce. Our comparative approach is based on the, for arthropods very common, "female-biased sexual size dimorphism" (SSD) that occurs in almost every Mantodea species. Within Mantodea, this SSD is likely leading to a shift of the exploited ecological niche between male and female individuals due to changes in, for example, the possible prey size; which might be reflected in the chosen ecomorphs. In this context, we analyzed the musculature of the raptorial forelegs of female and male specimens in five different species with varying SSD, using high-resolution microcomputed tomography and dissection. We were able to confirm the presence of 15 extrinsic and 15 intrinsic muscles-including one previously undescribed muscle present in all species. Thus, presenting a detailed description and illustrative three-dimensional anatomical visualization of the musculature in Mantodea. Interestingly, almost no observable differences were found, neither between species, nor between the sexes. Furthermore, we homologized all described muscles, due to their attachment points, to the comprehensive nomenclature established by Friedrich and Beutel (2008), discussed potential functionality of the muscles and possible homologies to the neuropteran Mantispa styriaca (Büsse et al., 2021) and the newly introduced leg nomenclature by Aibekova et al. (2022). By elucidating the anatomy, particularly in the context of functionality and SSD, our results complement previous knowledge of the raptorial forelegs, and facilitate a better understanding of the underlying biomechanical system of the predatory strike, and ultimately, a future comparison to other insect taxa.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The movements of animal appendages are determined by extrinsic and intrinsic forces. Extrinsic forces include gravity or friction,1,2 whereas intrinsic forces are generated by active muscle contraction or passive musculoskeletal elements.3,4 For lightweight appendages, such as insect limbs, movements depend more upon intrinsic than extrinsic forces.5,6 Indeed, passive movements of insect limbs can be large and oppose or aid joint flexion, extension, or both.4 Yet, how passive properties contribute to insects' goal-directed limb movements, such as targeted reaching and searching,7-10 remains unclear. Here, we show that mantids make targeted reaches and searches to objects by using their raptorial forelimbs, employing braking to slow passive flexion of the femoro-tibial (FTi) joint. In most reaches, tibial flexion ensures the forelimb contacts the object. Such tibial flexion is particularly clear when the forelimb misses the object and continues on a downward trajectory or during directed searching movements. We characterize the passive properties of the FTi joint by combining passive movements of excised limbs with apodeme ablations and muscle stimulation. These experiments show that passive properties of the flexor tibiae muscle-apodeme complex are the primary structural element producing tibial flexion in excised limbs. During reaching and searching, however, tibial flexion is slower and smaller than predicted. This is due to braking, which opposes passive flexion, thereby reducing the magnitude and velocity of tibial flexion. Braking retarding passive movements is a novel behaviorally relevant control strategy for the goal-directed movements of lightweight limbs, such as those of insects.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Complex tasks like hunting moving prey in an unpredictable environment require high levels of motor and sensory integration. An animal needs to detect and track suitable prey objects, measure their distance and orientation relative to its own position, and finally produce the correct motor output to approach and capture the prey. In the insect brain, the central complex (CX) is one target area where integration is likely to take place. In this study, we performed extracellular multi-unit recordings on the CX of freely hunting praying mantises (Tenodera sinensis). Initially, we recorded the neural activity of freely moving mantises as they hunted live prey. The recordings showed activity in cells that either reflected the mantis's own movements or the actions of a prey individual, which the mantises focused on. In the latter case, the activity increased as the prey moved and decreased when it stopped. Interestingly, cells ignored the movement of the other prey than the one to which the mantis attended. To obtain quantitative data, we generated simulated prey targets presented on an LCD screen positioned below the clear floor of the arena. The simulated target oscillated back and forth at various angles and distances. We identified populations of cells whose activity patterns were strongly linked to the appearance, movement, and relative position of the virtual prey. We refer to these as sensory responses. We also found cells whose activity preceded orientation movement toward the prey. We call these motor responses. Some cells showed both sensory and motor properties. Stimulation through tetrodes in some of the preparations could also generate similar movements. These results suggest the crucial importance of the CX to prey-capture behavior in predatory insects like the praying mantis and, hence, further emphasize its role in behaviorally and ecologically relevant contexts.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A new species of the praying mantis genus Arria Stål, Arria pura sp. nov. from southwest China is described and illustrated. An overview, comparison, and distribution data of this tribe are given. A new synonym is created: Sinomiopteryx yunnanensis Xu, 2007 is a junior synonym of Arria pallida (Zhang, 1987). One new combination Arria brevifrons (Wang, 1991) comb. nov. (from Sinomiopteryx Tinkham), is proposed.

RESUMEN

The study examined the prophylactic effect of praying mantis egg case powder (PMECP) against the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in key tissues of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Thirty African catfish were randomly distributed into six (n = 5) groups. Group I was treated with normal fish diet (NFD) only. Group II was exposed to Cd + NFD. Group III was exposed to Cd + NFD + EC50 PMECP. Group IV was exposed to Cd + NFD + EC50 PMECP + 10% EC50 PMECP. Group V was exposed to Cd + NFD + EC50 PMECP + 20% EC50 PMECP. Group VI was treated with EC50 PMECP + NFD for 14 days. Inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of PMECP significantly scavenged free radicals in vitro with corresponding increase in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) level. PMECP also showed highest growth-rate pattern and downregulation of cavitation within the lamellae. Hence, PMECP may be a prophylactic agent against the Cd accumulation in African catfish. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mantis religiosa egg case is widely used in Asian traditional medicine and some part of West Africa, as prevention against several diseases such as urinary disorders, infertility, impotence, and shingles. Our previous investigation showed that Mantis religiosa egg case flour could prevent hepatotoxicity, inhibit respiratory dysfunction, and interrupt oxidative damage in lungs. It is also commonly utilized for its high protein content and clear airways potential. The results of this study revealed empirical evidence concerning the possible usage of PMECP as natural, alternative, and/or complementary protein supplement with prophylactic potentials. Hence, this study underlines PMECP as prophylactic agent in abrogating the accumulation of cadmium as well as improving the protein content in African catfish.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Predators must often employ flexible strategies to capture prey. Particular attention has been given to the strategies of visual predators that actively pursue their prey, but sit-and-wait predators have been largely overlooked, their strategies often characterized as stereotyped. Praying mantids are primarily sit-and-wait predators that often employ crypsis to catch their prey using a raptorial strike produced by their highly modified forelimbs. Here, we show that the raptorial strike of the Madagascan marbled mantis (Polyspilota aeruginosa) varies in duration from 60 to 290 ms due to the tibial extension alone; slower strikes involve slower tibial extensions that may also be interrupted by a pause. The success of a strike is independent of its duration or the presence of these pauses. However, prey speed affects the duration of tibial extension and the probability of a pause occurring, both increasing at slower prey speeds. Adjusting the duration of the tibial extension according to prey speed allows mantids to time the final downward sweep of the tibia to their prey's approach. The use of visual inputs to adjust the motor pattern controlling forelimb movements shows that not all aspects of the strike are stereotyped and that sit-and-wait predators can produce behavioural flexibility.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Between 1998 and 2012, several scientific expeditions in Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve and Dzanga-Ndoki National Park led to the collection of many Mantodea specimens from Central African Republic (CAR). Among these specimens, several males of an undescribed species were discovered. Morphologically, this species most closely resembles to Chlidonoptera vexillum Karsch, 1892 and Chlidonoptera lestoni Roy, 1975. A new lineage was revealed by DNA barcoding. Therefore, a new species is described, Chlidonoptera roxanae sp. nov. Habitus images, genitalia illustrations and descriptions, measurement data, a key to species, natural history information, and locality data are provided. These results add to the evidence that cryptic species can be found in tropical regions, a critical issue in efforts to document global species richness. They also illustrate the value of DNA barcoding, especially when coupled with traditional taxonomic tools, in disclosing hidden diversity.

RésuméEntre 1998 et 2012, plusieurs expéditions scientifiques, dans la Réserve Spéciale de Dzanga-Sangha et dans le Parc National de Dzanga-Ndoki, ont permis de recueillir de nombreux spécimens de Mantodea en République centrafricaine (RCA). Parmi ceux-ci, plusieurs mâles d'une espèce non décrite ont été mis en évidence. Sur le plan morphologique, l'espèce est proche de Chlidonoptera vexillum Karsch, 1892 et de Chlidonoptera lestoni Roy, 1975. Le séquençage ADN a mis en lumière cette espèce. Par conséquent, une nouvelle espèce est décrite, Chlidonoptera roxanae sp. nov. Des images des habitus, des illustrations et descriptions des genitalia, des données de mesure, une clé pour les espèces, des informations d'écologie et des données de localité sont fournies. Les résultats ajoutent à la preuve que les espèces cryptiques peuvent être trouvées dans les régions tropicales, un problème crucial dans les efforts visant à documenter la richesse en espèces de la planète. Ils illustrent également la valeur du séquençage ADN, en particulier lorsqu'il est associé à des outils taxonomiques traditionnels, pour la mise en évidence de la diversité cachée.

RESUMEN

Limb proportions have evolved among animals to meet functional demands among diverse environments. Studies from terrestrial, vertebrate locomotion have demonstrated that variation in limb proportions have adaptively evolved so animals can perform in a given environment. Most of the research on limb proportion evolution is among vertebrates and terrestrial locomotion, with little information on limb segment evolution in invertebrates or for other functional roles. For example, among invertebrates, multisegmented raptorial forelimbs have evolved multiple times independently to capture prey, but there is little information on the adaptive evolution and diversity of these limbs. Furthermore, as feeding performance is influenced by the sensory system, few studies have examined the coevolution of sensory-motor systems. Using mantises (Mantodea) I examined forelimb diversification among 97 species with a combination of methods, including ternary plots for morphospace visualization, phylogenetically informed allometric relationships, and comparison of evolutionary rates of diversification. Furthermore, using head width as a proxy for depth perception, I examined the correlated evolution of foreleg diversity with depth perception. The results show that among the three segments of the foreleg, the tibia is the smallest, most diverse, and has the highest rate of evolution after body size corrections. Furthermore, while all foreleg segments were related to head width, head width explained the most variation in tibial length compared with other foreleg segments. The results suggest a potential adaptive functional role of tibia length related to the displacement or force produced in this mechanical lever. Furthermore, results from this study support distinct ecomorphs of mantises, as several independent evolutions to grass mimicry evolve similar morphologies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: This study demonstrates interspecific variation among segments of an invertebrate raptorial foreleg. Among Mantodea species the tibia is the most diverse and is related to a proxy for depth perception, while the other segments had strong relationships with body size. This suggests an adaptive, functional role of the tibia during prey capture.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Praying mantids are the only insects proven to have stereoscopic vision (stereopsis): the ability to perceive depth from the slightly shifted images seen by the two eyes. Recently, the first neurons likely to be involved in mantis stereopsis were described and a speculative neuronal circuit suggested. Here we further investigate classes of neurons in the lobula complex of the praying mantis brain and their tuning to stereoscopically-defined depth. We used sharp electrode recordings with tracer injections to identify visual projection neurons with input in the optic lobe and output in the central brain. In order to measure binocular response fields of the cells the animals watched a vertical bar stimulus in a 3D insect cinema during recordings. We describe the binocular tuning of 19 neurons projecting from the lobula complex and the medulla to central brain areas. The majority of neurons (12/19) were binocular and had receptive fields for both eyes that overlapped in the frontal region. Thus, these neurons could be involved in mantis stereopsis. We also find that neurons preferring different contrast polarity (bright vs dark) tend to be segregated in the mantis lobula complex, reminiscent of the segregation for small targets and widefield motion in mantids and other insects.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Originally from Asia, Hierodula patellifera (Serville, 1839) occurs several Mediterranean countries, such as Italy. These arrivals could come from many factors: new pets or commercial human transport. NEW INFORMATION: The presence of Hierodula patellifera (Serville, 1839) is here reported for the first time in France. A well settled and probably widespread population of this species is here discussed as its adaptability to the Mediterranean climate. Some considerations on the potential impacts on the local ecosystems and its future spreading in Europe as an invasive species are given.

RESUMEN

The praying mantis is a good model for the study of motor control, especially for investigating the transformation from sensory signals into motor commands. In insects, thoracic ganglia (TG) play an important role in motor control. To understand the functional organization of TG, an atlas is useful. However, except for the fruitfly, no three-dimensional atlas of TG has not been reported for insects. In this study, we generated a three-dimensional atlas of prothoracic, mesothoracic, and metathoracic ganglia in the praying mantis (Tenodera aridifolia). First, we observed serial sections of the prothoracic ganglion stained with hematoxylin and eosin to identify longitudinal tracts and transverse commissures. We then visualized neuropil areas by immunostaining whole-mount TG with an anti-synapsin antibody. Before labeling each neuropil area, standardization using the iterative shape averaging method was applied to images to make neuropil contours distinct. Neuropil areas in TG were defined based on their shape and relative position to tracts and commissures. Finally, a three-dimensional atlas was reconstructed from standardized images of the TG. The standard TG are available at the Comparative Neuroscience Platform website (cns.neuroinf.jp/modules/xoonips/detail.php?item_id=11946) and can be used as a common reference map to combine the anatomical data obtained from different individuals.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The complete mitochondrial genome of Arria pallida is 16,240 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), a control region (D-loop), and 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs). The phylogenetic analysis included 18 species within 10 families of Mantodea using maximum likelihood (ML) method. The result showed that A. pallida is sister to Haania sp., both of which form a sister clade with Caliris sp.

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Mantises can live for many months, are naturally voracious, and feed invariably on live prey. Many species have a propensity for cannibalism and cannot be kept together for most of their life cycle, which makes large-scale rearing typically time-consuming, thus easily becoming prohibitive. This is particularly true for early instars, because they are the most abundant stage of a developmental cohort. Such limitation hinders research on Mantodea which depend on live individuals, such as behavior, physiology, ontogeny, and others. In this work, a simple, low-maintenance "self-service" device is described, which is greatly effective in reducing the time needed for keeping live, individual, small to medium-sized mantises. Trial and error usage and modifications along eight years lead to many improvements, resulting in a nearly optimal device for its target purpose. The final model allows rearing large numbers of mantises while demanding only a fraction of the time demanded by conventional rearing techniques. Key advantages include prevention of cannibalism, the possibility of monitoring mantises individually, and full functioning autonomy of up to several weeks. The new device has ample potential in stimulating and supporting Mantodea research on diverse areas.

RESUMEN

A wasp mimicking praying mantis (Mantodea) of the early evolving Mantoididae family was discovered in 2013 at a research station near the Amazon River in Northern Peru. This adult specimen exhibited a striking bright red/orange and black coloration pattern that was undocumented in all known praying mantis species. We tested the status of this new specimen using external morphology, male genital dissections, and geographic distribution. Our findings demonstrate the specimen to represent a new species, Vespamantoida wherleyi gen. nov. sp. nov., that is closely allied with a recently described species, Mantoida toulgoeti Roy, 2010, both of which are included within the newly erected genus. To support our actions, we present high resolution images of museum preserved and living specimens, morphological illustrations, a generic-level distribution map, and recorded video of the behavior of the holotype taken in the field at the time of collection. The bright red/orange coloration contrasted with black markings, the general appearance of a hymenopteran that includes a narrowed wasp waist, and the locomotory patterns and antennal movements mark this newly discovered species as unique among all hymenopteran mimicking Mantoididae as well as all other praying mantises.

RESUMEN

The praying mantis shows broad repertories of visually guided behaviors such as prey recognition and defense against collision. It is likely that neurons in the lobula complex (LOX), the third visual neuropil in the optic lobe, play significant roles in these behaviors. The LOX in the mantis brain consists of five neuropils: outer lobes 1 and 2 (OLO1 and OLO2); anterior lobe (ALO); dorsal lobe (DLO); and stalk lobe (SLO), and ALO comprise ventral and dorsal subunits, ALO-V and ALO-D. To understand the functional organization of LOX, intracellular electrodes were used for recording from and staining neurons in these neuropils of the mantis (Tenodera aridifolia). The neurons belonged to three categories based on their response properties and morphologies. First, tangential ALO-V neurons projecting to ventromedial neuropils (VMNP) (TAproM1 and 2), tangential DLO (or ALO-D) neurons projecting to VMNP (TDproM1 and 2), and tangential ALO-V centrifugal neurons (TAcen) all showed directional sensitivity and sustained excitation to gratings drifting in preferred direction (outward-downward, inward-upward, outward-upward, inward-downward, and inward, respectively). Second, tangential OLO neurons projecting to VMNP or ventrolateral neuropils (VLNP) (TOproM or TOproL), columnar OLO commissural neurons (COcom), and SLO commissural neurons (Scom) all showed strong excitation to 2°-8° moving squares but little excitations to drifting gratings. COcom and SLO neurons ramified in both left and right LOX. Last, the class of tangential ALO-V neurons projecting to VLNP (TAproL1, 2, and 3) responded best to looming circles and showed little excitation to receding, darkening, and lightening circles.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Animal invasions can be devastating for native species. Behavioral variation is known to influence animal invasions, yet comparatively less is known about how behavioral variation influences invasive-native species interactions. Here we examined how the mean and variance surrounding several behavioral traits in two sympatric species of praying mantis differ and how these behavioral types translate to actual prey capture success using the introduced European mantis, Mantis religiosa, and the native bordered mantis, Stagmomantis limbata. We assayed time spent in the open (risk proneness), response towards a novel prey, and voracity within a population of M. religiosa and S. limbata. We found that the native and invasive mantids displayed no differences in their average behavioral tendencies. The native exhibited significant levels of repeatability in voracity while the invasive did not. The lack of repeatability in the invasive appears to be driven by lower levels of among-individual variation in voracity. This may have evolutionary consequences for native S. limbata if it results in strong selection in native levels of mean and among-individual variation. Significant levels of among-individual differences were found in other behaviors (response to a novel prey and risk proneness) across species, suggesting less selection on invasive behavioral variation in these traits. Risk proneness and response towards a novel prey also formed a behavioral syndrome across species, yet neither behavior was correlated with voracity in either species. Our results illustrate the need to examine the ecological effects of behavioral variation of both invasive and native species to determine how that might impact invasive-native interactions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Animals learn to associate sensory cues with the palatability of food in order to avoid bitterness in food (a common sign of toxicity). Associations are important for active foraging predators to avoid unpalatable prey and to invest energy in searching for palatable prey only. However, it has been suggested that sit-and-wait predators might rely on the opportunity that palatable prey approach them by chance: the most efficient strategy could be to catch every available prey and then decide whether to ingest them or not. In the present study, we investigated avoidance learning in a sit-and-wait predator, the praying mantis (Tenodera aridifolia). To examine the effects of conspicuousness and novelty of prey on avoidance learning, we used three different prey species: mealworms (novel prey), honeybees (novel prey with conspicuous signals) and crickets (familiar prey). We sequentially presented the prey species in pairs and made one of them artificially bitter. In the absence of bitterness, the mantises consumed bees and crickets more frequently than mealworms. When the prey were made bitter, the mantises still continued to attack bitter crickets as expected. However, they reduced their attacks on bitter mealworms more than on bitter bees. This contrasts with the fact that conspicuous signals (e.g. coloration in bees) facilitate avoidance learning in active foraging predators. Surprisingly, we found that the bitter bees were totally rejected after an attack whereas bitter mealworms were partially eaten (~35%). Our results highlight the fact that the mantises might maintain a selection pressure on bees, and perhaps on aposematic species in general.