Where does the New Zealand praying mantis, Orthodera novaezealandiae (Colenso) (Mantodea: Mantidae), deposit its oothecae?

Abstract

Oothecae of the praying mantis Orthodera novaezealandiae were collected from trees in Lincoln, Canterbury. Aspect, height, branch thickness, bark temperature and light intensity where oothecae were located were measured. Additional oothecae were collected from fences and walls to measure their dimensions and count the number of opercula. Fifty percent of the oothecae faced within 15° of true north on open sunny branches and tree trunks. The bark beside oothecae was significantly warmer compared with the opposite side of branches. Oothecae collected in Lincoln were significantly longer (3.4 mm) than oothecae in an earlier Palmerston North study.

Keywords:

• praying mantis
• Orthodera novaezealandiae
• oothecae
• aspect