Abstract
The role which the prothoracic tibial flexion reflex plays in prey catching by the mantis Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Sauss.) is examined. This reflex is elicited both by tactile stimulation of the movable spines on the ventro-medial border of the raptorial foreleg femur, and by pulling against the tibia. The reflex elicited by spine stimulation is inhibited when the ipsilateral tarsus is resting on the substrate, but is not if the tibia rests on the substrate after removal of the tarsus. Immobilizing the femoral spines by covering them with paraffin wax eliminates the ipsilateral tibial reflex to spine stimulation but not to tibia pulling. If either the right or left set of femoral spines are immobilized, the waxed foreleg fails to grip prey, and is readjusted around captured prey more frequently than the normal leg. If both sets of femoral spines are immobilized, the mantid's ability to successfully capture prey is impaired but not eliminated. It is concluded that proprioceptive feedback from the movable femoral spines and the tibiae play roles in, but neither are solely responsible for maintaining a continuous grip on prey captured by T. sinensis.
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