We examined handedness during prey capture in the Chinese mantid, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis, by observing which foreleg mantids use to reach for and to grasp prey. Each mantid was tested six times within each instar, and if a mantid used the same foreleg in four or more trials, it was considered handed. None of the mantids exhibited handedness in reaching. For grasping, we also found no significant handedness; however, the number of mantids showing handedness in grasping did significantly increase between successive instars (1 - 7) as prey size decreased relative to mantid size. There was no consistent hand preference within any individual throughout its life cycle.
Species 1: Mantodea Mantidae Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Chinese praying mantid)
Keywords: handedness
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