On display behaviour and courtship in the praying mantis Ephestiasula amoena (Bolivar) |
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Authors: | R G LOXTON |
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Institution: | Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, University of Leeds |
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Abstract: | Display behaviour in a small species of Indian praying mantis, Ephestiasula amoena , is described and the possible role of this display in courtship is discussed. The display involves exposure of the bright pattern on the inside face of the expanded plate-like profemora. The profemoral patterns found in closely related species are discussed and it is suggested that the display may also play a role in species recognition. The courtship behaviour of E. amoena is contrasted and compared with the courtship of other species of praying mantis. |
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Keywords: | Ephestiasula praying mantis profemora display courtship |
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