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Prey speed influences the speed and structure of the raptorial strike of a ‘sit-and-wait’ predator

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 07:19 authored by Sergio Rossoni, Jeremy NivenJeremy Niven
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.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Biology Letters

ISSN

1744-9561

Publisher

The Royal Society

Volume

16

Page range

1-6

Event location

England

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-06-23

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-06-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-06-23

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