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

猛禽前肢是一种捕捉和抓取猎物的装置，在螳螂的昆虫中最为著名。螳螂对埋伏捕食者的生活方式表现出很强的形态和行为适应能力，具有特定的环境影响和特定猎物的偏好，导致了明显的生态适应。利用微型计算机断层扫描、激光共聚焦扫描显微镜、扫描电子显微镜和形态角度测量相结合的方法进行形态评估，以及高速摄像和运动跟踪分析相结合进行运动学分析和行为观察，该项目旨在阐明在螳螂中捕获猎物的原理。此外，使用3D打印和力测量以及生物启发机器人的机械实验将用于了解掠夺性攻击背后的生物力学，并启发技术。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，以及对涉及的角质结构的材料组成的新见解，可能成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.