![]() Nevertheless, all these insects still utilize their legs for walking as well. 2015), and cicadas jump using their enlarged hind legs (Gorb 2004). 2014), webspinners spin their homes with a spinning apparatus located in their front feet (Büsse et al. ![]() However, they can vary greatly in functional abilities and morphological attributes: for example, bees store pollen in a specialized basket at their hind legs (Martins et al. The insect legs are locomotory appendages in the first place. This study further represents a starting point for a comprehensive biomechanical investigation of the convergently evolved raptorial forelegs in insects. Our results lead to a better understanding of the biomechanical aspects of the predatory strike in Mantispidae. Combining the information from all of our results, we were able to identify a possible catapult mechanism (latch-mediated spring actuation system) as a driving force of the predatory strike, never proposed for mantis lacewings before. We could confirm all 15 muscles previously described for mantis lacewings, regarding extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, expanding it for one important new muscle-M24c. ![]() Here, we show a detailed morphological description of raptorial forelegs of Mantispa styriaca (Neuroptera), including musculature and the material composition in their cuticle further, we will discuss the mechanism of the predatory strike. However, apart from praying mantises (Mantodea)-the most prominent example of this lifestyle-the knowledge on morphology, anatomy, and the functionality of insect raptorial forelegs, in general, is scarce. Raptorial forelegs, as predatory striking and grasping devices, represent a prominent example for convergent evolution within insects showing strong morphological and behavioural adaptations for a lifestyle as an ambush predator. The insect leg is a multifunctional device, varying tremendously in form and function within Insecta: from a common walking leg, to burrowing, swimming or jumping devices, up to spinning apparatuses or tools for prey capturing. ![]()
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