Nutrient investment in the tissues of a generalist arthropod predator

Abstract

Whole-animal SIA is frequently used to study the ecological impact of insects and other small arthropods, but lumps together the carbon and nitrogen fractionation of an organism’s tissues and can change the resultant signature significantly. The analysis of distinct tissues of organisms provides detailed information about the allocation of nutrients to ecologically important processes like defense and reproduction (O’Brien et al. 2000). The praying mantis Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Sassure) is a generalist arthropod predator that affects its wide assemblage of prey throughout its lifespan (Moran and Hurd 1998, Moran et al. 1996). By studying the carbon and nitrogen enrichment of this type of predator, we can further understand its impact on its ecosystem from eclosure to death. The present study aimed to determine differences in isotopic enrichment in a variety of praying mantis tissues. The results may shed more light on the physiological processes of arthropods and their allocation of nutrients.