Mandible composition and properties in two selected praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea).

Area of Science:

• Insect morphology and biomechanics
• Comparative analysis of feeding structures
• Cuticle material science

Background:

• Insect mouthparts are diverse and adapted to specific diets.
• Understanding mouthpart-food interactions reveals evolutionary adaptations.
• Praying mantises offer a model for studying feeding mechanics due to varied prey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mandibular adaptations in two praying mantis species with different diets.
• To correlate material properties with feeding strategies.
• To elucidate the role of cuticle composition in mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for mandibular morphology.
• Confocal laser scanning microscopy for cuticle tanning.
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental analysis.
• Nanoindentation for mechanical property testing.

Main Results:

• Sphodromantis lineola mandibles show significant gradients in Young's modulus and hardness, from base to tip.
• Gongylus gongylodes mandibles lack pronounced mechanical gradients.
• Mechanical properties are linked to cuticle tanning and magnesium content in both species.

Conclusions:

• The observed gradients in S. lineola likely enhance resistance to stress during feeding on larger prey.
• The absence of gradients in G. gongylodes suggests lower feeding-induced stress.
• Findings contribute to insect cuticle biology and praying mantis biomechanics.