The fishing mantid: predation on fish as a new adaptive strategy for praying mantids (Insecta: Mantodea)

Abstract

Observations in unmanipulated, semi-natural conditions were made of a single individual of the praying mantid Hierodula tenuidentata, while hunting and capturing an unusual prey for this kind of insect, guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata. This repetitive fishing behavior, recorded daily, is reported here for the first time and discussed in relation to the adaptive behavioral plasticity of praying mantids. We speculate regarding learning from experience as a hunting strategy.