The island within the island: characterization of the habitat and ecology of the neotropical tree-bark mantis Liturgusa dominica from Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe (Mantodea: Liturgusidae)

Liturgusa dominica (Mantodea: Liturgusidae) was studied on tree trunks from Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe) to understand the specificity of its habitat (i.e. whether it is a tree-trunk specialist or occupies other habitats) and the influence of host trees and bark structure on its presence, abundance, and distribution at different life stages. Six hundred trees were surveyed and their bark structure sorted into seven categories. Overall, 2976 records were collected (2791 oothecae, 179 nymphs, five adult females, and one adult male). The presence of this trunk-specialist mantis species is significantly influenced by bark structure. In terms of abundance, trees with smooth (not peeling) to slightly rough furrowed bark hosted 92.4% of this species’ records; regardless of the tree species. These findings support the hypothesis that some Mantodea species, even if they are generalist predators, are influenced by the characteristics of their microhabitat to grow, hide, move, hunt and reproduce.