Prey selection in the praying mantis (tenodera sinensis)

Abstract

A key component of examining prey preferences in any predatory animal is to present the subject with different types of prey items and observe the predator's behavior to determine if a preference is present. To explore prey selection in adult praying mantises(tenodera sinensis), mantises were shown computer displays of moving circles of various sizes and colors. T. simensis appears to discriminate prey based on both size and color. Mantises appear to prefer the small and medium-sized targets and to avoid yellow targets.