Predatory behaviour of Mantid religiosa against mango hopper.
Devi M. B., Joymati L., Kananbala A., Binarani A., Manoj K.
Author Affiliation: Laboratory of Entomology, P. G. Department of Zoology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal - 795 001, Manipur, India.
Annals of Plant Protection Sciences 19 : 457-458
Abstract : The predating capacity of Mantis religiosa against 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar and adult stages of mango hoppers was investigated. While seeing the prey, the preying mantid stood motionless for a while and then moved slowly and captured its prey with its raptorial forelegs simultaneously tightening its grip on the insect body. After 4 months, the nymphs started preying upon the prey. Quantitative data on different stages of mango hopper consumed by a single female of the mantid on an average of 24 h was 16.7, 16.0, 14.6, 13.0, 8.6 and 3.3 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and adult stages of mango hopper, respectively. Therefore, mantid was found quite effective in controlling mango hoppers.