Laboratory study of cannibalism in Sphodromantis Viridis Forskal (Mantodea: Mantidae): effects of prey availability, habitat structure, and predator density [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

A laboratory study to evaluate the role of available preys, habitat structure and mantid density on the cannibalism among developmental and adult individuals of Sphodromantis viridis Forskal was investigated. Prey availability strongly reduced cannibalism within individuals of the same age and others of different ages. Complex habitat structure provides shelter for mantic! individuals although it could not prevent cannibalism. High density of mantic! nymphs or adults increased cannibalism. Rates of cannibalism increased as the mantid ages increased. First, second and third instar nymphs did not have any cannibal's activity. On the other hand, adult females had the greatest cannibals' activity.

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