Patterns of praying mantid population density following cyclone disturbance in far north Queensland, Australia

Abstract

In 2006, Cyclone Larry passed over a large area of far north Queensland, Australia. Before the cyclone, data had been collected on the population density of two species of praying mantids. Follow-up surveys found that one species, Ciulfina klassi (Mantodea: Liturgusidae), decreased in density following Cyclone Larry whereas the congeneric C. rentzi appeared resilient to cyclone disturbance. The differing responses of these two species are most likely attributable to their respective habitats being affected differently by cyclone disturbance. Whereas dense rainforest may have buffered C. rentzi from the damaging effects of cyclones, C. klassi may have been more vulnerable as it inhabits more sparsely vegetated woodlands.