Dangerous attraction: grasshoppers compete with native species!

Dangerous attraction: grasshoppers compete with native species!

The invasive species of praying mantis known asMiomantis caffra, is becoming increasingly widespread and poses a serious threat to local species. Originally native to South Africa, this species has now also established itself in New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Portugal. The University of Hamburg has published a new study that examines this praying mantis' manipulation and deception tactics during its mate search.

The research conducted by Laura Knapwerth and Dr. Led by Nathan Burke, it sheds light on reproductive behavior and the background to reproduction. female ofMiomantis caffrause pheromones to attract males, conveying information about their health status. Interestingly, the results show that males prefer females in poorer physical condition 68 percent of the time. Although females are fertilized less often due to their malnutrition, they attack males three times more often and eat them four times more often. The study highlights that females not only seek mates for reproduction but also use males as a food source. This results in heavier clutches by 52 percent after consuming a male.

Threat to native species

The invasive effect ofMiomantis caffraparticularly manifests itself in New Zealand, where it is the native praying mantisOrthodera novaezealandiaerepressed. Another study in PubMed Central published examines the reproductive interference between these two species. Native male praying mantises are more strongly attracted to the chemical signals of introduced females than to the native females. This has resulted in high mortality rates among local males. It was found that 68.8 percent of maleOrthodera novaezealandiaeby females ofMiomantis caffraare killed, indicating a complex interaction between attraction and predation.

The result of these studies shows that invasive species have significant impacts on local ecosystems not only through direct competition but also through such manipulative reproductive interactions. The research emphasizes the need for field testing to confirm laboratory results and suggests thatMiomantis caffranot only poses a threat to biodiversity, but also influences the dynamics of interspecific relationships.

Global challenges posed by neozoans

The results of this research are part of a larger problem associated with the global distribution of neozoans. Loud Planet knowledge Since the beginning of globalization and global freight transport in 1492, many species have been introduced into new habitats, unintentionally or intentionally. According to the WWF, there were around 1,150 non-native animal species in Germany in 2014, including more than 200 established species.

These neozoans, like thatMiomantis caffra, can destabilize ecosystems and there are attempts in many places to combat these species using various methods. This ranges from physical use to chemical agents, which often endanger native species. Given the impact that the invasive praying mantis has on local populations, scientists and conservation agencies are required to develop effective control and prevention strategies.

The research tooMiomantis caffraand their impact on native species is not only an example of the challenges posed by invasive species, but also highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches in environmental research to find sustainable solutions.