Asymmetrical colour and wing-folding inTithrone roseipennis(Saussure 1870) a neotropical praying mantis (Mantodea Hymenopodidae)

Abstract

The frequency and type of forewing colour asymmetry present in Tithrone roseipennis (Saussure 1870) (Mantodea Hymenopodidae) was examined and 29 out of 35 specimens had red/green forewing colour asymmetry. The insects, from both field-collected material and museum specimens, contained both left and right fore wing asymmetry morphs. This colour asymmetry was found to be linked to wing-folding. Asymmetrical mantids always appeared cryptically green at rest, decreasing the chance of predator detection. It is suggested that red and green colour pigments are genetically encoded for, and genetic epistatic interactions result between forewing colouration and wing folding mechanisms. The forewing colouration of T. roseipennis is an example of antisymmetry.