D3149: Ingestion rate variation among distinct species of habitat mimicking ecomorph praying mantids and relations to mandible morpholog

Predation requires predators to detect, prepare, capture, and ingest prey. Reducing time spent on any of these events, such as ingestion, may make the predator less susceptible to predation or able to acquire another prey, and thus energy, faster. The reduction in time during feeding may involve variation in associated morphology. The goal of this study was to determine variation in ingestion rates among ecomorphologically distinct species of mantids and whether mandible size influences these rates. We measured the ingestion rate, defined as the mass of prey consumed per second, of 3-5 adult females representing stick (Euchomenella heteroptera, & Pseudovates chlorophea), dead leaf (Deroplatys truncata & Phyllocrania paradoxa), and flower (Creobroter gemmatus & Hymenopus coronatus) mimics and generalist species (Stagmomantis limbata & Hierodula membranacea). Ingestion rate is measured from individuals consuming a pre-weighed standardized prey (Calliphora vomitoria) using time lapse videography, which records the time from prey capture to the completion of consumption. To analyze relationships between mandible size and ingestion rate, mandibles are dissected and measured for length and width. Head length and width are also measured to correct for head size and determine if ecomorphs or species have proportionally larger mandible to increase ingestion rate.Results will be discussed in the context of diet, behavior, and natural history.