AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF THE PRAYING MANTIS (MANTIS RELIGIOSA L.)

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Abstract
Both sexes are carnivorous. The [female] frequently attacks and eats the smaller and more active [male]. Fertilization is assured firstly by the stealthy approach of the [male], and his whole behavior during the courtship is such as not to attract the attention of the [female]. Once he has reached the back of the [female] unobserved he is not attacked and copulation takes place. Should the [male] be detected and attacked copulation is still possible. A nerve centre in the sub-esophageal ganglion partially or completely inhibits (1) slow lateral locomotor movements, (2) copulatory movements of the abdomen which have their origin in the last abdominal ganglion. If this inhibitory centre is destroyed by a [female] the lateral locomotion which commences brings the body of the [male] on to the back of the [female] and the continuous copulatory movements result in insertion of the claspers. This sexual reflex mechanism is complete in immature [male][male] and oviposition is controlled in a similar fashion.

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