Predator size and prey size: presumed relationship in the mantid Hierodula coarctata Saussure

Measurements of tibia length and tibial hook angle were used to calculate optimum prey size in 714 specimens of the mantid Hierodula coarctata. These values were then regressed on the cube root of dry body weight to derive a presumed predator–prey size relationship for the species. Energetic arguments are advanced to account for the observed relationship. An interspecific relationship is also demonstrated for three species of mantids and two species of mantis shrimp (stomatopod crustaceans).