Insect mantis- one of the most unusual and full of oddities creatures on all earth. His habits, lifestyle, as well as some aspects of the behavior of many people can simply lead to shock. This concerns their mating habits, during which female praying mantis eats gentleman.
The praying mantis is mentioned a lot in mythological works because it is really interesting in all respects and among other insects it probably has no equal.
It inspires fear in the impressionable. These are very close to cockroaches and are essentially predators. Their most unusual feature is their forelimbs, which have a somewhat unusual structure. They are decorated with strong spikes that help them capture the victim without any problems.
People breed them in terrariums because they are very interesting to watch from the outside. In the natural environment, it is not easy to keep track of them - mantises are excellent at camouflage, and their appearance helps with this. They can simply freeze in one position for a long time, which makes them even more invisible.
This is how the insect was named in the 18th century by the Swedish naturalist Carl Lineus. This creature, when in ambush and guarding its future victim, takes a position similar to that in which a person prays, hence its strange name.
Not in all countries the insect is called that way. The Spaniards, for example, called it the devil's horse or simply death. These unpleasant and creepy names appeared on him because of his equally creepy habits.
Praying Mantis – predatory insect, a ruthless and voracious creature who, knowing his incredible strength and power, can slowly deal with the victim, taking pleasure in it. For people involved in agricultural work, it serves as an excellent assistant in helping to cope with pests.
Features and habitat
From the description of the praying mantis insect, it is known that this is a rather large creature from the genus Mantis. The female is always larger than the male. Its body length is about 7.5 cm. Male praying mantis 2 cm less.
Among them there are giants, reaching a length of up to 18 cm. There are also very tiny creatures, no more than 1 cm. Insects similar to praying mantis - these are grasshoppers and cockroaches. But these are only external similarities. In all other respects they are completely different.
The main weapon and main organ of the insect is the forelimbs, with which the mantis grabs food. In addition, the praying mantis can move quickly with the help of its forelimbs.
The hind limbs are intended purely for movement. Insects have wings. Only males use them mainly because females, having large dimensions, fly extremely rarely.
The head of a praying mantis is in the form of a triangle. She is movably connected to his body. He turns his head in different directions and can see over his shoulder without any problems. Which helps him to notice approaching enemies prematurely.
The insect's abdomen resembles an egg and is long. It is soft, consisting of 10 segments, the last of which contains the olfactory organ of insects. Moreover, in females it is much better developed. The insect has only one ear. Regardless of this, his hearing is perfect.
His large and bulging eyes stand out against the background of his triangular head, this is clearly visible on photo of praying mantis. In addition to them, there are three more small eyes; they are located in the area of the antennae. Insect antennae come in several types - in the form of threads, combs and feathers.
The appearance of an insect can be a variety of shades - yellow, gray, dark brown. It depends on the environment. Very often, a motionless praying mantis blends perfectly with nature. So that it is simply impossible to notice. He needs this disguise in order to stalk his prey without any problems.
You can meet these insects in almost every corner terrestrial planet. They are perfectly suited to tropical and subtropical climates. Praying mantises love wet forests and rocky desert areas.
They are comfortable in the steppes and meadows. They prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle. If everything is in order with food in one place, then they can remain in this territory forever.
Active movement of insects is noticed when they mate. The reason for this may be an insufficient amount of food or the presence of those living creatures that are enemies of mantises. These include chameleons.
Character and lifestyle
All species of mantises prefer to live during the day. They have many enemies in nature, from which they prefer not to flee or hide. They simply turn towards the enemy, spread their wings and begin to scream loudly. The sounds are truly threatening; even people are afraid of them.
Why do females eat their partners? The answer to this question has long been found. The fact is that during mating, the female may simply get carried away by the process or confuse the male with some of her prey.
The period of gestation of eggs is typical for females in that they have a great appetite. Their bodies are desperately short of protein, which females take from the most unusual sources, sometimes eating their own kind.
Mating of insects begins with the simple dance of the male. In the process, he secretes an odorous substance, which helps convey to the female that he is from her kind.
Mostly this helps, but since mantises are cannibals, it doesn't always work. The female bites off her gentleman's head, and then simply cannot stop, devouring him all with great pleasure.
These predators have amazing agility. After sitting in ambush for a long time, they can make a sharp leap towards their prey and in a matter of seconds dig into it with their claws. When jumping, they are excellent at controlling their body, which is another distinctive feature sign of praying mantises.
Feeding a praying mantis
The diet of this insect is dominated by great diversity. The age category of mantises, their parameters and stages of development adjust their needs for a particular food.
For young insects, it is enough to snack on flies. A praying mantis at an older age will not be satisfied with a fly. He needs larger and more substantial food. Frogs, scorpions, etc. are used.
It is still difficult for researchers to observe mantises hunting in wildlife. Especially on victims who are larger than themselves. In frequent cases, their favorite delicacy is their relatives.
As already mentioned, females eat their males during mating. Males always face a choice - to mate and continue their race or to be eaten by their mate. If the female has a good snack before mating, the male has a good chance of surviving.
Praying mantises will never eat carrion. Their victim must definitely resist them, only after that they can slowly and deliberately finish off her. This is where their predatory nature manifests itself.
Reproduction and lifespan
Mantis mating ends with the females laying several dozen or hundreds of eggs in protein bags specially constructed by them, which depends on the type of insect.
All this happens quite interestingly. The cameras are located on the tree. The female lays one egg in each cell. Time passes and the protein bags freeze, protecting the eggs inside them from external factors and enemies.
There is only one hole in this structure; it is through it that insect larvae are selected. Outwardly, they are very similar to adults, only they do not have wings. These amazing animals live for about six months.
The praying mantis is an arthropod insect that belongs to the order of praying mantises (lat. Mantodea, Mantoptera).
The origin of the international name "Mantodea" is not known with certainty. This detachment received its Russian definition due to some similarity between the insect's forelimbs and human arms bent at the elbow joint. In this position, the praying mantis is in ambush and waits for prey, shaking its head from time to time. Because of this behavioral feature, as well as due to associative perception, the insect, which resembles a person who reads a prayer, got its name.
Taken from the site: artfile.me
Mantis - description, structure, characteristics. What does a praying mantis look like?
Almost all praying mantises have an elongated body with a characteristic structure that distinguishes them from other arthropod insects. The movable head of the praying mantis has an almost triangular shape and is capable of rotating almost around its axis. Thanks to this, the insect can notice an enemy approaching from behind.
The convex large compound eyes of the mantis have a complex structure and are located far from each other along the lateral edges of the head.
In addition to them, the insect has 3 simple eyes, which are located above the base of the antennae.
The antennae of the praying mantis consist of numerous segments and, depending on the species of the insect, are filamentous, feathery or comb-like.
The mouthparts of mantises are of the gnawing type and are directed downwards.
Characteristic feature insects of this order is that the pronotum, widened in the upper part, almost never overlaps the head.
The soft, slightly flattened abdomen consists of 10 segments.
The last segment of the abdomen ends with long paired appendages of numerous segments, cerci, which are organs of smell.
In males, the cerci are better developed than in females.
Cerci and ovipositor of a female praying mantis Stagmomantis carolina. Photo credit: Kaldari, Public Domain
Almost all species of mantises have well-developed front and rear pairs of wings, thanks to which the insect can fly. It is noteworthy that the narrow and dense wings of the front pair serve as a kind of elytra that protect the hind wings. The rear pair of wings is wide, has many membranes and is folded like a fan.
Often the wings of a praying mantis are brightly colored or have a specific pattern on them. But there are also varieties of mantises that are completely devoid of wings and, in their own way, appearance resembling larvae. This, for example, is the earthen mantis (lat. Geomantis larvoides).
In the thoracic region of these insects, the front pair of limbs is especially well developed. Each of them consists of an elongated coxa, a trochanter, a femur, which is slightly longer in size than the coxa, a tibia, and a tarsus, consisting of 5 segments.
In its lower part, the thigh is studded with large sharp spines arranged in 3 rows, the drumstick also has spines, albeit smaller ones, and at the end of the drumstick there is a sharp needle-shaped hook. The last segments of the tarsi end in two rather large claws.
Along the entire length of the thigh there is a groove into which the shin is inserted, like the blade of a folding knife that retracts into the handle. Mantises capture their prey and hold it between the thigh and lower leg until the process of eating food is completed.
The middle and hind pairs of legs have a structure typical of arthropods.
Forelimbs of the praying mantis Otomantis scutigera. Photo credit: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0
The circulatory system of mantises is quite primitively developed, which is a consequence of the way they breathe. The body is supplied with oxygen thanks to a complex branched system of tracheas, which are connected to spiracles (stigmas) lying on several segments of the abdomen, as well as located on the middle and posterior parts of the body. Expansions (air sacs) can form in the trachea, which increase ventilation of the entire respiratory system.
Sexual differences in mantises are quite pronounced and manifest themselves in the size of individuals: females are always much larger than males.
On the left is a female, on the right is a male common mantis. Left photo credit: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo on right: Nicolas Weghaupt, Public domain
Some mantises can reach a length of 17 cm, for example the species Ischnomantis gigas, which lives in Africa, or Heterochaeta orientalis, which is also called the oriental heterochaete and reaches a size of 16 cm.
Other mantises are very small in size and grow no more than 0.5-1.5 cm in length - such, for example, are the tiny mantises.
The body color of the praying mantis depends on the environment, as it is camouflage in nature.
There are mantises that look like green leaves, flowers or sticks, while other species imitate tree bark, lichens, or even the black color of ashes after a fire.
The species Gonatista grisea is almost impossible to distinguish from the whitish growths on the tree. Photo by: Yaroslav Kuznetsov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Deroplatys lobata is very similar to the brown leaf. Photo credit: Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 3.0
Choeradodis rhombicollis resembles a green tree leaf. Photo by: Benjamint444, GFDL 1.2
Humbertiella sp. disguised as tree bark. Photo credit: L. Shyamal, CC BY-SA 3.0
It is unlikely that you will notice the praying mantis Pogonogaster tristani against a background of green moss. Photo credit: Leonardo Miranda Di Giambattista, CC BY-SA 3.0
Most praying mantises are green, yellow or brown, although there are species with brighter and more contrasting colors.
It is noteworthy that the colors of individuals of the same species can vary quite greatly, and also change after each molt.
Metallyticus splendidus shimmers in different colors and has a metallic sheen in color. Photo by: 김준석
Enemies of Mantises
When attacked by an enemy (bird, or) or when meeting with a fellow rival, the mantises try to scare the enemy. They take a rather intimidating pose, spreading their wings like a fan, putting their front grasping legs forward and lifting the end of their abdomen up. This pose can be accompanied by threatening sounds. For example, the Sarawak mantis (lat. Hestiasula sarawaka) rustles its wings loudly and makes a clicking noise created by the contact of the upper part of the forelimb with the thigh. If the enemy turns out to be much stronger, the mantis prefers to retreat and flies away, however, seeing its advantage, it bravely confronts the enemy and often emerges victorious in such a fight.
Lifespan of praying mantises
The lifespan of a praying mantis depends on the species and ranges from 2 to 11 months. In captivity, some species can live up to 1.5 years.
Where does the praying mantis live?
The distribution area of mantises is quite wide and covers almost all countries of Asia, Southern and Central Europe, as well as some countries in Africa, South America. It includes Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Malta, Syria, India, China and Iran. Populations are recorded in Yemen and Turkey, Malaysia and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Israel. Some mantises live in Russia, Belarus, Tatarstan, Poland, and Germany. On merchant ships, these insects were brought and took root in Australia and North America.
In tropical and subtropical conditions, mantises live not only in humid forests, where they settle in the branches of trees or shrubs, but also in sun-warmed rocky deserts. In Europe, these insects are common in steppe regions, as well as in spacious meadows.
Praying mantises rarely change their habitat, and if potential food is present around them in sufficient quantities, they will never leave the selected plant or individual branch. Active movements are resorted to during the mating period, when there is a lack of food supply in the habitat or, in rare cases, when attacked by natural enemies: birds, chameleons, snakes or larger relatives. Almost all species of mantises lead a diurnal active lifestyle.
What does a praying mantis eat?
The praying mantis is a predator and its diet usually consists of other small and large insects. Representatives of this detachment are not averse to feasting on the gape, or. Large individuals can attack and eat small amphibians (geckos), small birds and even small rodents.
These predators attack their victims from ambush. They grab prey with their forelimbs and hold it until they completely eat it. Powerful jaws and the structure of the oral apparatus allow these insects to chew even large prey into pieces.
Types of mantises, photos and names
There are more than 2,000 species of praying mantises. Below is a description of several varieties.
- Common praying mantis ( Mantis religiosa)
Lives in most countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its distribution area includes Portugal and Spain, Italy and France, Turkey, Germany, Austria and Poland, as well as numerous islands Mediterranean Sea. This species is found in Sudan and Egypt, in Israel and Iran, as well as in Russia, starting from southern regions and ending with the Primorsky Territory. Introduced populations have been recorded in Australia and North America. Common mantis- that's pretty large insect, the dimensions of which reach 4.8-7.6 cm in females and 4.0-6.1 cm in males. Individuals are colored green or brown with a yellow tint. The transparent wings of the praying mantis, trimmed with green or brown edging, are well developed. The rather long abdomen is ovoid in shape. A distinctive feature of this species is a black spot, which is located on both coxae of the front pair of legs on the inside. Often a light mark is visible in the center of such a spot.
- Chinese mantis (Chinese bowing mantis) ( Tenodera aridifolia, Tenodera sinensis)
It is an endemic species that is naturally distributed throughout China. Adult female praying mantises reach 15 cm in length; males are much more modest in size. The color of these insects does not depend on gender and can be green or brown. Nymphs and juveniles lack wings. Chinese mantises acquire the ability to fly only after several molts. Tenodera sinensis exhibits vital activity at night. Life expectancy is 5-6 months.
- Creob roter meleagris
Widely distributed in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan and other countries in the South Asian region. Adults can reach 5 centimeters in length. The main body color of the praying mantis is cream or white. Light-colored stripes of varying widths run throughout the body, head and paws. Brown. The elytra and pronotum are colored olive-green. On the elytra there is one small and one large spot of white or cream color. The larger spot has the shape of an ellipse, which is outlined in black at the top and bottom.
Taken from: www.nhm.ac.uk
- Creobroter gemmatus, which is also called Indian flower mantis
It is a typical inhabitant of the humid forests of India, Vietnam and other countries of South Asia. Mature males of this species of mantis reach a length of 38 mm, females are larger and grow up to 40 mm. The body of the insect is elongated, and the width of the pronotum is noticeably less than its length. There are several spikes of different heights on the hips. The body is colored cream with brown or greenish spots. Both pairs of wings are well developed, and on the upper pair, which acts as elytra, there is a large bright spot that resembles an eye with two pupils and serves to scare away predators. The wings of males are longer than those of females. Due to the fact that the lower wings of the mantis, colored pink and brown at the base, have numerous membranes, the impression of a bizarre scaly pattern is created. The insect lives in plant flowers, where it waits for prey during the day.
- Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii
Lives in areas with hot and humid climate. Other unofficial names for this insect are spiky or spiny flower mantis. This species lives in the countries of southern and eastern Africa: Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, as well as Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion. The size of adults is quite modest. The length of females does not exceed 40 mm, and males - 30 mm. The coloring of these mantises is heterogeneous - it combines white, cream, pinkish, yellow and green tones. On the upper pair of wings there is a rather interesting pattern, reminiscent of a green eye or a small spiral. It is noteworthy that the curls of these spirals on the right and left wings are directed towards each other. These insects have spines not only on the surface of the forelimbs, but also on the abdomen - hence the name of this mantis.
Taken from the site: media1.webgarden.cz
- Orchid mantis ( Hymenopus coronatus)
Distributed in tropical forests India, Malaysia and Indonesia. This insect is considered one of the most beautiful representatives of the order. It received its name for its external resemblance to the flowers on which it hides in anticipation of its prey. A sexually mature female praying mantis has quite impressive dimensions and grows up to 80 mm in length. The size of males is much more modest and does not exceed 40 mm. A distinctive feature of this species is its wide forelimbs, small head and thread-like antennae. The main body color of orchid mantises is white. However, it may vary depending on which flower the insect is lying in ambush. Various shades of pink, orange, yellow, lilac or purple. This type of mantis is characterized by increased aggressiveness. They can attack prey that is twice the size of the hunter. By the way, the larvae of the orchid mantis have a very unusual red and black coloring, which scares potential enemies away from them.
- Idolomantis diabolica , which is also called Damn flower or Devil's flower
It lives in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and other countries of East Africa, where it lives on the branches of bushes and trees. Adult mantises of this species have quite large sizes. Females can reach a length of 14 cm with a wingspan of about 16 cm. Male mantises are slightly smaller in size than females and rarely exceed 11 cm in length. The color of these insects can vary from various shades of green to light brown. The spines located on the thighs of the front legs have different lengths. Three shorter ones are visible between the long spines. A distinctive feature of this species is the characteristic leaf-shaped appendages formed by expanded cuticles, which are located on the back, as well as on the middle and hind limbs. In addition, unlike other species, in Idolomantis diabolica the top of the head tapers into a cone shape. Praying mantises of this species are often kept in home terrariums.
Taken from the site: archiwum.allegro.pl
- Heterochaete eastern ( Heterochaeta orientalis), which also has an unofficial name spike-eyed mantis
Found in most African countries. The female mantis reaches 15 cm in length. Males are smaller in size and grow up to 12 cm. Due to the fact that these insects live in the branches of bushes, their appearance has unusual features that make them resemble twigs or twigs. In addition, these African mantises have spines located not only on the thighs and shins of the forelimbs, but also along the upper edges of the head, which is shaped like a triangle. This gives the impression that the insect's eyes are wrapped around these spines. This structure of the visual organs, combined with a long “neck” located between the head and prothorax, allows mantises of this species to easily notice prey or enemies not only in front and to the side, but also from behind. It is noteworthy that the insect’s body at this moment can remain completely motionless. The coloring of individuals depends on their age. If in the larval stage they are characterized by shades of brown, then the imago is characterized by light green shades.
Taken from the website: www.deine-tierwelt.de
- Empusa pennata
A species from the genus empusa, which is distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Africa, in most Asian countries, as well as in Portugal, Spain and Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus. Adult male praying mantises are slightly smaller than females, which grow up to 10 cm in length. A distinctive feature of the praying mantis is a peculiar high growth on its head, resembling a kind of crown in shape. Males have comb-type antennae, and the head is crowned with additional spines that look like feathers. The color of the praying mantis depends on environment and is subject to change. These insects are characterized by green, yellow or pink colors, as well as various shades of brown.
- Phyllocrania paradoxa
It lives in rather arid regions of Africa, located south of the Sahara Desert, as well as on the island of Madagascar, where it lives in the branches of bushes and trees. Thanks to its peculiar body shape, reminiscent of a plant leaf, it can easily hide from natural enemies and successfully hunt small insects. This camouflage is provided by special outgrowths on the body and head of the mantis. Moreover, the processes on the male’s head are rather curved and slightly thinner than those of the females. The adults of this species are quite small in size. Females grow to a maximum of 5 cm, males are smaller. Protective coloring varies depending on air humidity and temperature. If the air temperature is low and the humidity is high, the insects are green or gray-green in color. When humidity levels drop and temperatures rise, mantises turn brown or dark brown in color.
- Metallyticus splendidus
It lives in India, Malaysia, Sumatra and other countries in Southeast Asia. Hunts for prey in the branches of trees or shrubs, as well as under tree bark. Mature male mantises can reach a length of about 2 cm. Females are slightly larger and grow up to 3 cm in length. The body of these insects is slightly flattened from the back to the abdomen. Sexual dimorphism is expressed not only in size, but also in the color of individuals. Males are characterized by blue-green shades with a pronounced metallic blue tint. In females, the body is colored green with shiny bronze wing covers.
- Ameles spallanziania
Widely distributed in Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, Italy, San Marino, Greece. The habitat of this species also includes Cyprus, Malta and other countries of Southern Europe and North Africa. The size of these insects is quite modest, with the length of males rarely exceeding 1 cm, and females can reach a length of 3 cm. You can also distinguish a male from a female by the presence of wings. If in males they are well developed and allow him to make fairly long flights, then in females this organ is reduced, so they are deprived of the ability to move through the air. The eyes of the praying mantis are conical in shape. The color of insects is variable and can vary from bright shades of green to brown and gray-brown. Unlike other species, these mantises have a short but strong hind limb.
- Blepharopsis mendica , which also has an unofficial name thistle mantis
Found in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen and other countries in North Africa and southwestern Asia. These insects live in desert as well as mountainous areas. Males are slightly smaller in size than females, which can reach a length of 5.2-6.1 cm. In addition, the antennae of males have a comb structure. Distinctive feature The species also has a characteristic growth on the top of the head. There are many spines of different sizes on the lateral surface of the thigh and lower leg. The color of individuals can be greenish or brownish with numerous white spots that merge into bizarre patterns.
- Rhombodera basalis
It lives in the tropical zone of Malaysia, Thailand and India. Adult females can grow up to 8-9 cm in length, males are slightly smaller. A characteristic feature of the praying mantis is its slightly enlarged pronotum, resembling a diamond shape. The body and wing covers of the insect are colored turquoise-green with a blue tint. The rear pair of membranous wings are partially colored in bright pink tones.
- Malaysian leaf mantis ( Deroplatys dessicata)
Widely distributed both in the tropical forests of Malaysia or Indonesia, and in wet thickets in Sumatra and Borneo. Female Malaysian leaf mantises are much larger in size than males. Their length can reach 15 cm, while males grow to a maximum of 6 cm. This species has good camouflage abilities due to the special shape of the head and body, which give it a resemblance to withered foliage. Therefore, the color of the insect has a rather narrow color palette, including all shades of brown.
- Deroplatys lobata
It lives in the rainforests of Malaysia, as well as in tropical thickets on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Prefers to hunt in the foliage of trees or small shrubs, as well as in their upturned roots. In appearance, these insects strongly resemble withered leaves, which serves them not only as an excellent camouflage that protects them from enemies, but also helps them hide and wait for prey. The color of the body and legs is uniform and can be different shades of gray or brown. Adult females grow up to 8 cm in length, while males barely reach 5 cm. Unlike females, males have developed wings, so they can fly, but females have lost this ability due to reduced wings.
- Aethalochroa insignis
Lives in India. This is a very large insect, 15-20 cm long, including antennae. The praying mantis' excellent camouflage makes it look like a dry blade of grass.
Insect mantis In the recent past, many scientists and researchers classified them as belonging to the same family due to a number of similar elements in the structure of the wings and body.
However, today this guess has been refuted by official science and these insects are classified as a separate species, which has its own specific characteristics and habits.
The order was named just that – “mantises”, and at the moment it includes about two and a half thousand species.
About the praying mantis we can definitely say that a rare other insect can compete with it in the number of mentions in the mythologies of various peoples of the world.
For example, the ancient Chinese associated the praying mantis with stubbornness and greed; the Greeks believed that it had the ability to predict the weather and was a harbinger of spring.
The Bushmen were sure that the image of the praying mantis was directly related to cunning and resourcefulness, and the Turks were sure that it always points its limbs directly in the direction of the holy Mecca.
Asians often gave their offspring fried eggs insect to get rid of such an unpleasant illness as enuresis, and Europeans noticed the similarity of the praying mantis with monks offering prayers and awarded it the name Mantis religiosa.
The praying mantis is a large insect, its size can exceed 10-12 cm
Features and habitat
By description of the insect mantis you can see that it is quite large, and the length of its body can reach ten or more centimeters.
The typical color characteristic of these insects is white-yellow or green. However, it varies greatly depending on habitat and time of year.
Thanks to the natural ability of mimicry, the color of the insect can exactly repeat the color of stones, branches, trees and grass, so if the praying mantis is in a motionless state, it is very difficult to recognize it with the naked eye among the stormy landscape.
Head triangular shape very mobile (rotates 180 degrees) and connects directly to the chest. Usually you can see a small dark spot on the paws.
The insect has incredibly developed front legs, which have quite powerful sharp spines, with the help of which it can actually grab its prey for further consumption.
The praying mantis has four wings, two of which are dense and narrow, and the other two are thin and wide and can open like a fan.
In the photo, the praying mantis spread its wings
The habitat of the praying mantis is a vast territory, including the countries of Southern Europe, Western and Central Asia, Australia, Belarus, Tatarstan, as well as numerous steppe regions.
This insect came to the USA on ships and merchant ships, where it inhabited the decks like cockroaches and.
Because the sign of a praying mantis is increased thermophilicity, it can easily be found in the tropics and subtropics, where it inhabits not only rainforests, but also rocky areas such as deserts.
Character and lifestyle of the praying mantis
The praying mantis prefers to lead a lifestyle that is far from nomadic, that is, settling for a long time in the same area.
If there is a sufficient amount of food around, he can literally not leave the confines of one single plant or tree branch throughout his life.
Despite the fact that these insects can fly quite well and have two pairs of wings, they use them infrequently, preferring to move with the help of their long limbs.
Mostly males fly and exclusively at night, flying from branch to branch or from bush to bush.
They can also move from tier to tier, and you can meet them at the foot of tall tree, and at the top of its crown.
The praying mantis spends most of its time in one position (with its front legs raised high), for which, in fact, it got its name.
The praying mantis in the pose for which it got its name
Indeed, looking at it from the outside, it may seem that the insect is praying, but in fact it is busy guarding its future prey.
Despite the fact that the praying mantis has well-developed limbs and wings, it quite often becomes prey for various birds, since it is extremely bad at running away from the aggressor.
Perhaps it is for this reason that the insect tries to move as little as possible during daylight hours, preferring to blend in with the surrounding vegetation.
Although cockroaches are insects similar to praying mantis, you can notice that their habits are very different, especially since the praying mantis rarely gathers in large flocks.
Feeding a praying mantis
The praying mantis is a predatory insect, therefore, it feeds, accordingly, on insects, such as bugs, cockroaches, etc. Occasionally, even small lizards, frogs, birds and some small rodents become its prey.
The appetite of these insects is very good, and literally in a matter of months one individual is capable of eating several thousand insects of various sizes from grasshoppers to aphids. In some cases, the praying mantis can even attack animals with a backbone.
Mantises are also characterized by cannibalism, that is, eating their relatives. For example, it often happens that female praying mantis eats the male immediately after the mating process, but sometimes she can eat him without waiting for the end of lovemaking.
To prevent this from happening, male praying mantis is forced to perform a kind of “dance”, thanks to which the female is able to distinguish him from prey and thereby keep him alive.
The photo shows the mating dance of a praying mantis
The praying mantis can sit motionless for a long time, merging with the surrounding vegetation, waiting for its prey.
When an unsuspecting animal or animal approaches the mantis, it makes a sharp lunge and grabs the victim with the help of its forelimbs, which have dangerous spines.
With these same paws, the mantis brings the prey directly to its mouth and begins to absorb it. It should be noted that the jaws of these insects are surprisingly well developed, so that it can easily “grind” a not very large rodent or a medium-sized frog.
If the potential prey is quite large, the mantis prefers to approach it from the back, and when it approaches it at a close distance, it makes a sharp lunge to capture it.
In general, the main diet of this insect is considered to be small insects; it can start hunting for lizards and mice, being extremely hungry. In this case, he can easily turn from a hunter into a victim.
Reproduction and lifespan
Mantis mating in the wild it usually occurs from late summer to early autumn.
Males, using their own sense of smell, begin to intensively move around the habitat in search of females.
Contrary to established stereotypes, the female does not always eat the male after the mating process. This only applies to some varieties.
Those representatives of mantises that live in more northern latitudes need cooling of the air temperature in order for the eggs to begin to hatch. In one clutch, a female can produce about two hundred eggs.
Praying mantises are often kept at home by insect lovers. If you want to purchase a similar copy for yourself, you can easily find photo of praying mantis with prices on the Internet. The lifespan of this insect is about six months.
Mantises- carnivorous insects. Most species of mantises live in tropical countries, although some species are found in northern regions. The closest relatives are stick insects, grasshoppers and cockroaches. Like their relatives, praying mantises undergo metamorphosis and go through several stages of maturation.
Most mantises are of tropical origin, so they must be kept warm (20-25°C). Young mantises feed on aphids, fruit flies, fruit flies and other small insects. The young grow quickly if you provide them with a large amount of food.
Most species of mantises are aggressive towards each other and, if kept together, they can eat each other, especially if one mantis is larger than the others. Almost all mantises are good at eating insects that are the size of the mantis itself or even larger.
Praying mantises usually do not drink, however, it is good if there is a small dish of water in the room where they are kept. A dish of water also provides the necessary moisture. If there is no dish, then you need to spray water every day.
Housing. As the mantis grows, it will shed its skin several times, growing larger at each stage. For newborn insects, a small container, such as a yoghurt cup, is suitable; a teenage praying mantis can be transplanted into a jam jar or a bottle of milk. The top of the yogurt cup should be covered with film. You need to make a small hole in the film to supply food. A tube can be inserted into the hole to provide fresh air. Regardless of the type of container used, branches must be placed in it so that the insect can crawl and hang on them (during the molting period). The height of the container (from floor to ceiling) should be three times the length of the insect.
Reproduction. It is difficult to distinguish male and female juveniles, but it is easy in adult praying mantises: males have eight lobes on the inside of the abdomen, females have six. Before mating (separately from each other), the male and female are intensively fed for several days. For breeding, it is advisable to use a large container, otherwise the female may eat the male. Mating may occur immediately or may take several days. There should always be food in the cage so that the female can feed during mating. After mating is completed, the male moves away.
The female (depending on age and species) can lay from 30 to 300 eggs. The emergence of larvae from eggs is observed between 3-6 months. Young people can be born all at once or at different times. Young mantises can be kept together for some time, but then the container must be large, there must be many secret places in it, and there must be live food constantly present; all these conditions will prevent cannibalism. After the second or third moult, the praying mantises should be seated.
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The common mantis, or religious mantis (lat. Mantis religiosa) is an insect from the family of true mantises of the order Mantis. A large predatory insect with forelimbs adapted for grasping food. Reaches 42–52 mm (male) or 48–75 mm (female) in length. The largest and most widespread praying mantis in Europe.
Description
The color is protective, very variable, ranging from green or yellow to brown-gray or dark brown. The pronotum is of moderate length, the front legs are grasping, in addition to obtaining food, they are also used for movement. The hind legs are running. The wings are well developed in both males and females (although females, due to their impressive size, fly very poorly and reluctantly). The abdomen is ovoid, rather long.
How to keep a praying mantis as a pet?
The praying mantis can make a fun and cuddly pet. This pet is intuitive and more intelligent than most members of the insect family. A praying mantis can often live for up to a year, sometimes longer, if cared for properly. In fact, some naturalists even claim that the praying mantis can recognize humans.
1. Make a home for the praying mantis
The container for keeping the praying mantis should not be too large so that it can find its prey and, at the same time, it should not be too small so that it is not too crowded. The length of the container should be 3-4 times longer than the mantis itself, and the height should be at least 2 times its length. The reason for this is that the mantis must have enough space to pursue its prey, but not excessively, otherwise it will not be able to find it.
2. Create the right environment
A praying mantis requires a favorable environment to live. Make holes in the top of the lid or container to allow the mantis to breathe. The cage should have several plants that are the same color as the insect so that your pet can camouflage itself, but the cage should not be overcrowded. The bottom of the container should be filled with a layer of soil approximately 1.2 cm thick, preferably sand. Make sure the container is not too wet. If the sides are foggy, add a few more holes on the top or sides. Spray the inside of the cage about once a day to ensure the mantis has water to drink. The praying mantis will climb up the wall of the container and lick the water. If you place an open container of water in its home, the mantis may fall into it and drown.
3. Feed the praying mantis
A praying mantis' nutritional requirements will vary depending on their growth stage, although in general they won't need much food.
- For pet store-purchased larva: Feed fruit flies, small crickets, mosquitoes, aphids and other small insects.
- For a grown mantis that molts, ( age stage): start increasing the size of the insects, and then at each shedding period, feed normally, but remove anything that it ignores, because the mantis may not eat during the molt.
- For a fully grown mantis, you will have to work hard: catch butterflies, crickets, grasshoppers or even house flies. In the wild, praying mantises will consume anything they can catch and hold. They've even been known to eat bees and wasps in the wild, but you probably don't want to mess with them.
- You don't have to buy crickets from a pet store, although some people will tell you that using wild crickets can make your pet sick. There may be no harm... for store-bred mantises, but for caught ones wild harm will. Caution should be exercised when it comes to pet store-purchased crickets. In many pet stores, the crickets are not fed or cared for properly, and any diseases these crickets have may end up being passed on to your mantis. If you're not sure, feed store-bought or caught crickets a good diet food for a few days to help them deal with the bacteria in their gut and they'll be fine.
- Don't give your praying mantis live food that is larger than it is or that might eat your praying mantis itself.
What to feed a praying mantis in winter?
In winter, as you know, you can’t catch insects on the street, but this problem can be solved. You can buy maggots at a pet store - they are sold in plastic containers, into which dry sawdust is poured; At home, such a container can be stored in the refrigerator. If this container is kept at room temperature, then the maggot pupates quickly, and in a week you will have fresh flies. The second option is zofobus: in a box with cereal they not only live well, but also continue to reproduce. Good for winter food different kinds cockroaches As a last resort, you can feed the praying mantis with small portions of meat. But you should not give meat in large quantities - the insect may get sick and die.
IN natural conditions The praying mantis grabs any insect that passes by it. Young animals require more food for full development; Adults can go without food for five days.
But you should not throw food insects into large quantities- this can lead to stress in the mantis. In addition, some insects have quite developed jaws, with which they can bite the mantis during molting.
Food for a pet is any insect that is suitable for it in size. Young animals need to be fed small insects - such as aphids, fruit flies, fruit flies. Adults are very voracious, eat almost any insect in large quantities and can even feast on a small lizard or mouse.
Adults are fed once a week: you need to make sure that the mantis does not overeat, otherwise rupture of the abdomen cannot be avoided. Be sure to have water in the terrarium. You can use a special insect drinker to prevent animals from accidentally drowning, or a plastic lid for a jar.
If you thought that the praying mantis is a harmless and very calm insect with a passive demeanor, then get ready to learn something new about them. Researchers have discovered that these aggressive carnivorous insects kill and eat not only small reptiles such as frogs and lizards, but also small birds. A study by an international team of zoologists has documented this behavior in praying mantises around the world.
It is noteworthy that in general this behavior of mantises was not special. A YouTube search easily turns up a selection of videos showing a praying mantis eating a hummingbird. A new study by a team of zoologists systematically documents 147 examples of attacks by praying mantises, representing 12 different species, on small birds. Scientists tracked the behavior in 13 countries, finding that praying mantises preyed on 24 species of birds.
Interestingly, more than 70 percent of documented cases have been recorded in the United States, and the majority of victims are hummingbirds. Praying mantises have been used in gardens for decades as biological pest control agents, and to this day, many Americans still use both imported and native species for pest control. But new research shows the insects also pose a threat to small passerine birds. In addition, such inselectivity of mantises makes them not the best means of fighting insects.
