Asymmetrical colour and wing-folding in Tithrone roseipennis (Saussure 1870) a neotropical praying mantis (Mantodea Hymenopodidae)

The frequency and type of forewing colour asymmetry present in Tithrone ros eipennis (Saussure 1870) (Mantodea Hymenopodidae) was examined and 29 out o f 35 specimens had red/green forewing colour asymmetry. The insects, from b oth field-collected material and museum specimens, contained both left and right forewing asymmetry morphs. This colour asymmetry was found to be link ed to wing-folding. Asymmetrical mantids always appeared cryptically green at rest, decreasing the chance of predator detection. It is suggested that red and green colour pigments are genetically encoded for, and genetic epis tatic interactions result between forewing colouration and wing folding mec hanisms. The forewing colouration of T. roseipennis is an example of antisy mmetry.