Influence of prey availability on immature survival, development and predation of the mantid predator, Sphodromantis viridis forskal [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Prey consumption, developmental period, survival and predation rates of the first three nymphal instars of the predator, Sphodromantis viridis Forskal were assessed under laboratory conditions with different preys available. The maximum daily prey consumption was recorded with the greatest number of available preys. Also, the duration of each instar was shortest at high prey available and longest at the minimum level. Survival rates were maximum (86, 85, and 82 % for the first, second and third instars, respectively) with prey available of 10 preys/predator. When prey available was one prey/predator/day these rates were in respective 71, 58 and 0 %. Predation rates differed according to the nymphal instar and also the preys available. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between prey availability and each of daily prey consumption, development and survival while a negative correlation was obtained concerning the predation rates of the three nymphal instars. These results show that, immature mantids could compensate under certain conditions like food deprivation (lack of preys) while could develop more quickly with the high prey available.

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