 However, according to laboratory studies conducted by Loxton in 1979, one type of praying mantis, "Ephestiasula arnoena", shows both male and female counterparts performing overt and ritualized behaviour before mating.Both displayed a semaphore behaviour, meaning both displayed their front legs in a boxing fashion before the slow approach of the male from behind.This semaphore display in "E. arnoenais"key in communicating between both mantids that both are ready for copulation and, by extension, the continuance of their genetic line.