Speaker: Christopher Oufiero, Ph.D, Professor, Biological Sciences, Towson University

Abstract: All praying mantises use their multi-segmented, raptorial forelegs for prey capture and mandibles for ingestion. These feeding apparatuses
are used across the diversity of camouflage strategies that have evolved in the group, including flower, dead leaf, stick, and bark mimics to name a few. The evolution of camouflage strategies has been hypothesized to result in ecomorphs, where species evolve specific morphologies in response to ecological pressures to function in their environment.
The goal of this research to examine the role of camouflage evolution on prey capture and ingestion among habitat mimicking praying mantises in the context of body size and phylogeny to determine if there is evidence of ecomorphs. The results suggest minimal influence of camouflage strategy on prey capture and ingestion. However, they highlight the versatility of praying mantis predation, which may have allowed them to diversify in
camouflage strategies.