Silent Signals Unveiled: Previously Undocumented Communicative Behaviors in three Mantis Species (Insecta, Mantodea)

Abstract Praying mantises are traditionally investigated for their predatory adaptations and morphological specializations, while their intra-specific communication has received comparatively limited attention, especially outside a few model taxa. Here we report previously undocumented communicative behaviors observed under controlled breeding conditions in three phylogenetically distant species: Parablepharis kuhlii de Haan, 1842, Hymenopus coronatus (Olivier, 1792) and Stagmomantis nahua Saussure, 1869. Repeated observations of both nymphal and adult individuals, supported by video recordings, revealed distinct and structured signaling repertoires expressed during conspecific encounters and pre-copulatory interactions. Documented behaviors include stereotyped abdominal oscillations, rhythmic foreleg and midleg movements, posture modulation, antennal orientation patterns and distance-dependent display adjustments. None of these communicative elements have been previously described for the examined species in the peer-reviewed literature. Notably, several signals were already present in late nymphal stages, suggesting that components of the communicative repertoire may develop prior to sexual maturity. Despite marked differences in ecology, morphology and sexual dimorphism among the three taxa, partially convergent signaling patterns were detected. These findings indicate a more complex and potentially multimodal communication system in Mantodea than traditionally assumed and highlight the value of systematic behavioral observations under controlled conditions in revealing hidden aspects of mantis biology.