Stage-specific site selection of the praying mantid tenodera aridifolia

Abstract

We examined changes of site selection by the mantid Tenodera aridifolia (Stoll) according to its developmental stage. We investigated the vegetation characteristics selected by mantids of different developmental stages at three field sites. The height of vegetation and height at which mantids were found on vegetation tended to be higher for later-instar mantids than early instars. Mantids tended to prefer the upper part of vegetation regardless of their developmental stage or the site. Later-instar mantids also tended to select larger-sized leaves for perching compared with early instar mantids. Height above ground, vegetation height, and leaf sizes selected by mantids differed among the three sites. In addition, the preferred plant species used by mantids also changed with their developmental stage. Thus, our results indicate that T. aridifolia has varying preferences for site selection and specific vegetation according to its developmental stage. © 2013 Entomological Society of America.