Ecomorphology and biomechanics of raptorial forelegs in praying mantises (Insecta: Mantodea)

猛禽的前腿是捕获和抓住猎物的工具，在昆虫中最著名的是螳螂（昆虫亚目：螳螂亚目）。Mantodeans对伏击捕食者的生活方式表现出强烈的形态和行为适应，受到特定环境的影响和对特定猎物的偏好，导致不同的生态形态适应。利用显微计算机断层扫描、共聚焦激光扫描显微镜、扫描电子显微镜和形态学角度测量相结合的形态学评估，以及高速摄像与运动跟踪分析相结合的运动学分析和行为观察，本项目旨在阐明曼托亚猎物捕获的原理。此外，采用3d打印和力测量以及仿生机器人技术的机械实验将用于了解掠夺性罢工背后的生物力学并激发技术。预期的结果将提高我们对猎物捕获过程的生物力学方面的知识，以及对所涉及的角质层结构的材料组成的新见解，可能作为仿生方法的新灵感来源；例如，在机器人抓取系统中。

Raptorial forelegs are prey capturing and grasping devices, best known among insects in praying mantises (Insecta: Mantodea). Mantodeans show strong morphological and behavioral adaptations towards the lifestyle of an ambush predator, with specific environmental influences and preferences of particular prey, resulting in distinct ecomorphological adaptations. Using a combination of micro-computed tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and morphological angle measurments for morphological assessment, as well as high-speed videography with motion tracking analysis for kinematic analysis and behavioural observations, this project aims to elucidate principles of prey capturing in Mantodea. Furthermore, mechanical experiments employing 3D-printing and force measurements as well as bio-inspired robotics will used to learn about the biomechanics behind the predatory strike and to inspire technology. Expected results will improve our knowledge about the biomechanical aspects of the prey capture process, as well as novel insights into the material composition of involved cuticular structures, possibly serving as a new source of inspiration for biomimetic approaches; for example, in robotic grasping systems.