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The forelimbs in maniraptoran theropods are strongly modified to suit the different hunting style in those dinosaurs. Aim of this work is to propose a model of the forelimb function in specialized theropods such as Deinonychus or Velociraptor. The presence of several characters, such as the furcula, the semilunate carpal, the bowed ulna and a particular proportion of the segments of the forelimb allows comparison between maniraptoran theropods and some other hunters that use the forelimbs to snatch prey. In particular, a triangular diagram has been built in order to compare forelimbs of theropods and preying mantis. The forelimb of the mantis shows a proportion of its components surprisingly similar to that found in advanced maniraptoran; moreover, the mantis forelimb can be considered functionally composed of only three segments, exactly as the vertebrate forelimb. Finally, a disparity between the proportions in mantis can be related to different hunting methods and habitats. Maybe a similar disparity could be traced back for advanced maniraptorans. The model here proposed can accomplish a further aim: to show how the predatory strike in maniraptorans could have been a preadaption for the active flight in birds.
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