Thomas Harper

• BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology
• Is binocular vision involved in trajectory control in the Praying Mantis strike?

The praying mantis is a predatory ambush insect, known for its powerful raptorial legs used to catch prey. The praying mantis uses both eyes to trigger its strike once prey is in reach. Mantids have stereoscopic vision which allows both eyes to work together to tell the mantis when the prey, in front of its eyes, is within reach. We looked earlier in the hunt, when the prey is first detected, and asked if both eyes are still needed when the mantis makes a precise turn to face and track the prey, ready for a successful strike.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Claire Rind