Visual cues used by mantids in learning aversion to aposematically colored prey

We experimentally tested visual cues used by the mantid (Tenodera ardifolia) in learning aversion to noxious prey. For 2 wk, we repeatedly presented mantids with milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasicatus) that were fed cardenolide-containing seeds of the milk-weed, Asclepias syriaca. Milkweed bugs were painted with one of four color patterns: solid black, solid orange, half black and half orange, and alternately striped with orange and black. A fifth treatment included naturally colored (orange and black mottling), unpainted bugs. As mantids gained experience with unpalatable prey, they became significantly more hesitant to strike and struck less frequently. Furthermore, our data suggest mantids presented prey with broken patterns hesitate to strike longer than those presented prey with solid patterns. We conclude that this invertebrate predator can learn to delay attacks on distasteful prey and that pattern in aposematic coloration may influence aversion learning by mantids.