Beginning in early autumn, the males will seek out female praying mantises in order to reproduce. Mating season begins a dangerous time for the male portion of this species. Praying Mantis Life CycleĪlthough widely known for its praying stance, this mantis is also notorious for its sexual cannibalism. Spreading anywhere from the southern portions of California and living largely in the southeast portions of the United States, praying mantises find their prey in woods, meadows, prairies and home gardens.
Within the United States, praying mantises are found in largely green, humid areas. The color and camouflage aspects of specific praying mantises will depend on the particular area of the world. Tropical and subtropical areas are ideal living spaces for the praying mantis because of the constant moisture, insect life available as prey, and the lack of cold winters-and therefore the lack of food. Largely living in warm climates, praying mantises cover every continent except Antarctica. The ability to rotate its head over 300° gives the mantis a distinct advantage when surveying its surroundings and looking for prey. The head is one of the most interesting features of the mantis a rounded triangle with eyes that take up almost ¾ of the face, the praying mantis is the only insect that can swivel its head over its shoulder. The main body of the mantis is extremely elongated and may resemble a peapod connected to the head by a giraffe-like neck. Inserting the spikes into the body of its victim, the mantis is able to keep the prey under control while consuming it alive. It might appear as if a comb has been inserted onto the underbelly of these legs, but these comb-like spikes are to help ensure a firm grasp on prey. Generally a light green or brown color, the defining features of the mantis are its two very spiky front legs, which are generally seen in a praying position. Praying Mantis Identificationįor those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the praying mantis, there is no mistaking its features.
Different species of praying mantises will have different camouflage methods from backing up into the shrubs and turning its back or actually mimicking its background, the praying mantis can easily escape a predator’s eye. Based on its environment, the praying mantis is the chameleon of the insect world. Although large on an insect scale, the praying mantis still has predator threats, and for this the mantis relies on its ability to blend into its surroundings. If the victim doesn’t struggle, the mantis will actually prefer to eat its catch alive, starting with the head if struggling, the mantis will kill first before consuming.Īside from its rather morbid eating habits, the praying mantis is actually a very intriguing insect. Clasping its prey firmly with its strong front legs, the praying mantis will assess its catch. Preying on anything from smaller insects to larger, more formidable foes, such as lizards, snakes, small birds and even small rodents, the praying mantis only eats what it kills. Looks can be deceiving this pious insect is actually a keen predator that can move faster than you can blink and blend into almost any situation. Little did we all know that praying mantises used those reverent arms to capture prey and become the ‘preying’ mantis. We all tried to catch them as kids, these mysterious creatures that look at you with alien eyes and that deceptively humble stance. Praying Mantis Scientific Name : Mantodea Praying Mantis Facts
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