Comparative Study on the Oothecae of Three Species of Mantodea (Dictyoptera: Insecta)

Abstract

During present study, oothecae of three species, namely Hierodula transcaucasica (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878), Sphodromantis viridis (Forskal, 1775) and Mantis religiosa (Linnaeus, 1758), were collected and described based on their morphometric characteristics and illustrated features. Significant differences were observed in the dimensions of the oothecae, with S.viridis exhibiting the largest dimensions, measuring 24 ± 0.94 mm in length and 21.6 ± 0.51 mm in width. M. religiosa followed with dimensions of 21.2 ± 0.78 mm in length and 15.3 ± 0.67 mm in width. H. transcaucasica had the smallest length at 17.33 ± 1.23 mm. Additionally, substantial variations in shape and size were noted among the oothecae of the studied specimens. H. transcaucasica oothecae were typically globular in shape, predominantly dark brown with some appearing coffee brown. S. viridis oothecae had a prominently rounded proximal part and a slightly narrower distal end. On the other hand, oothecae of M. religiosa were elongated, typically pale or straw brown, with a thin residual layer. The study recommends the collection and artificial rearing of oothecae as a beneficial approach to promoting mantid culture for potential use as bio-agents in biological control programs.