Well, first of all, why “mantis”? The name is quite strange, to be sure. The name of the insect was not invented by anyone, but by Carl Linnaeus himself, the founder of the entire biological table, a great mind. So, when he finally paid attention to the praying mantis, he exclaimed: “Tja, det ser ut som på mantis, för fan!”, which translated from Swedish means “Well, it looks like a praying mantis, damn!”
If you look at a praying mantis, you can really see that the pose of this insect is similar to the pose of a praying person. That is why Linnaeus gave the name Mantis religiosa or “religious priest”, in our opinion. 
As for official judgments about the praying mantis, they are as follows. Praying mantises are not just a type of insect, but an entire suborder, with many species. The length of the praying mantis is about 5 cm. In American films, praying mantises sometimes reach five meters in length.
The color of the praying mantis varies from green to brown. The praying mantis has wings, but it rarely uses them, I will tell you why later. Females, for example, use their wings only in exceptional cases. Until a certain point, scientists even believed that the female’s wings were necessary only for intimidation. Then, after observing, they finally realized that the female could fly. True, they still don’t understand why praying mantises need to fly.
Well, not that much later. I actually wanted to reveal all of Mantis's cards at the end, but I can't wait to talk about Mantis' origins now. Official scientific opinions about the origin of the praying mantis are extremely uninteresting. All the same nonsense: the origin of life in water, the first amphibians, arthropods, insects, modifications that led to the development of the praying mantis, blah, blah, blah.
There is also unofficial version origin. It is so obvious that even a child will agree with it, unlike inert scientists. To truly understand the praying mantis, it is enough to look at the face of the praying mantis for a couple of minutes.
Here, watch for two minutes, try to understand. 
Do you see? I am sure that you also understood the whole truth, namely that the praying mantis is a creature of unearthly origin. It only looks like an insect, but if you look at it more closely, a version of alien origin immediately comes to mind.
Do not rush to accept the skeptical side of scientists, let's look at some facts together.
Again, let's take coloring. I already said that it varies, but I didn’t say how much. It varies so much that it is impossible to say definitely what color the praying mantis is. Of course, we are used to thinking that the praying mantis is green. This is true, but the mantis is green only when it sees leaves. Since scientists, in their own foolishness, continue to look for praying mantises only on leaves, they have no idea about the ability of the praying mantis to choose any color they please.
How about this coloring? 
Look around you and remember that praying mantises are everywhere. They disguise themselves so that we don’t see them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, right? Look carefully, perhaps the praying mantis is hiding among your office papers or sitting right on your brand new iPhone. Or maybe he was hiding in an indoor flower. 
Don't forget to look in the barn. 
Another fact that is known to many. No, I can’t talk about him calmly. The fact is that after sex, the female eats her partner. Do you think this is normal? Imagine a herd of cows. They graze and eat grass peacefully. Then a young bull comes, moo-moo, all that. Here he is climbing on his love, here is sex. And then! The cow turns around and eats the bull whole! One, one, and it's done. And then he continues to peacefully eat grass.
If this is not enough for you, then I will continue. Not only do females eat males after sex. This can be understood: vitamins, nutrients necessary for the development of the mantis... But how can we understand the fact that before sex, the female bites off the male’s head? Before sex, not after. Imagine a herd of cows. However, it’s not necessary, you have no idea. A headless bull on a cow... Really, you shouldn’t even think about it.
In fact, the female does not always bite off the head and does not always eat the male. That is, this is an optional condition. And this only adds new questions like “What’s the point then?!” Scientists keep silent about these questions, while agreeing that in earthly nature this is an exceptional case.
This act of cannibalism inspired not only me. For example, one Frenchman Marcel Rolland wrote about it like this:
“I will tell you below how the praying mantis devours its victims, but I must say that this drama, played out in the mysterious, apparently serene canopy of a hedge, was for me my first meeting with the Relentless. Thus I learned the terrible law of force to which the world is subject.”
There he said a lot more, one might even say that the praying mantis shook his psyche.
Scientists differ so widely in their assessments of this act that they sometimes go too far in their reasoning. So one of the scientists proved the thesis that the very fact of biting and nibbling is not so new in nature. Even among people you can find analogies. In short, I wrote all these words just to quote the words of this scientist:
Myths and folklore do not remain in debt: with their data they confirm the material of individual imagination. First of all, in the North Asian and North American regions there are widespread myths about women with toothed vaginas who kill, cutting off the penis, those who dare to have sexual intercourse with them.
Friends, I will take a short break and then continue. The devouring female praying mantises do not allow me to just pick up and continue my story. 
Of course, there will be skeptics who will say “oh well! An ordinary insect! But it's not that simple. Remember the cartoon about kung fu panda? So, there, among the kung fu masters, along with the tiger and the monkey, there was a praying mantis. An unheard of honor for small insect, don't you think?
The fact is that the Chinese were among the first to realize that something was wrong with the praying mantis. Just in case, they began to praise him. They not only drew a praying mantis, it’s not that strange, especially for the Chinese, they came up with a whole style martial art– praying mantis style. Not even a style, but a whole direction of styles, including: “Plum Blossom Mantis”, “Seven Star Mantis”, “Six Coordination Mantis Boxing” and other equally funny names.
We must give credit to the Chinese for understanding the true nature of the praying mantis. 
Mantises have wings, but they rarely use them. They do not need them for hunting; mantises have other methods of hunting. They also do not use flight for defense, as they are well camouflaged. Thus, wings are not needed for daily activities. It can be assumed that wings are necessary for migration, but nothing is known about flocks of flying mantises.
Possible solution this fact lies in one of the songs:
I read in one book,
That when it gets bad,
And an ice ax and a saw will rise above the world
They will be removed from the branch
And they will excite you and me,
Under tight wings.
Why do praying mantises have such a strong influence on people’s consciousness? And they really have a strong influence, all over the world. I already talked about the Chinese with their praying mantis style. Other peoples also had special ideas about this insect.
Thus, in Africa there is still a cult of the praying mantis, which is considered a god and founder of the worlds. In Europe they also paid special attention to it. Attitudes towards the praying mantis are ambiguous; in some cultures it is extolled, in others it is considered a demonic creature.
Perhaps the praying mantis earned such attention through its ability to look. The praying mantis is perhaps the only insect that has the ability to move its head in the direction of its gaze. That is, unlike other insects, he not only sees, but also looks.
Generally speaking, the number of beliefs and myths associated with the praying mantis is amazing. 
More interesting fact. The praying mantis gets along just fine without a head and can even have sex. But that is not all. Not only can he walk and balance without a head, but without a head he can pretend to be dead. That is, being dead, he can pretend to be dead.
This incredible feature, as well as the ability to perfectly change its appearance, prompted one African tribe to create a myth about how the praying mantis turned into a dead antelope. The hunters found him and prepared to cut him with stone knives. But even then the mantis remained motionless. Then they started cutting pieces off the antelope. And only after this, the antelope again turned into a praying mantis. It was an elder pilgrim, he collected all his cut-off parts, attached them to himself and began to run with his paws raised (well, you know how he can do that), grab and eat children.
This is such a mythical African horror.
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 others 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 resemble larvae in appearance. 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 tarsus end in two rather claws large size.
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 environment, since 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. The common mantis is quite 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 are quite large in size. 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, they appearance has unusual features that give them a resemblance to 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 the environment and can 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
Lives in tropical zone 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.
- Phylum – Arthropods
- Class – Insects
- Squad – Cockroaches
- Suborder – Praying Mantis (Mantodea)
The famous Swedish scientist and traveler Carl Linnaeus gave scientific name praying mantis: Mantis religiosa. Mantis translated from Greek means “prophet”, “priest”; religiosa - religious. Why did the praying mantis get such a strange name? Look at the photo: the praying mantis looks like someone praying. He stands on only four legs out of six, and keeps his forelimbs folded in front of his muzzle, as if he is praying to the Lord
An engraving by the famous Dutch artist Maurits Escher depicts a praying mantis praying for the absolution of a deceased religious dignitary. The praying mantis really looks like a person: it holds food in its “hands”, washes itself after a meal, can turn around (the only one of all insects!) and look intently, just like a person.
But the praying mantis is not as pious as it might seem. In fact predatory insect waits in ambush for a careless victim in order to grab it with lightning speed.
The praying mantis is a typical predator
The praying mantis is a typical example of a predator in wait, or, in other words, an “ambush”. For hours he can sit quietly in a secluded place, waiting for prey. The camouflage coloring allows the mantis to blend in with the vegetation, and even the shape of its body resembles part of a plant. Although it lives among an abundance of greenery, it does not accept plant foods. Moreover, the carnivorous insect eats its prey exclusively alive.
Praying mantises are merciless not only towards other insects smaller in size, which for them are nothing more than a tasty lunch, but also towards their relatives. Anyone who keeps this aggressive creature as a pet needs to know this. Two or more praying mantises are unlikely to live together, especially if one is larger than the other.
In the Middle Ages in Japan, the praying mantis was considered a symbol of courage and cruelty, and even the image of the insect was applied to the hilts of samurai swords. And one of the positions in kung fu repeats the pose of a praying mantis, ready for battle. In addition, in China they believed that the praying mantis had healing powers and could cure some diseases. The ancient Greeks considered the praying mantis a harbinger of spring and a weather predictor; they called it a “prophet” and “soothsayer.” And in some European countries even today, praying mantises are credited with some magical powers. Perhaps this creature, which is an object of superstition, will arouse your interest and you will want to keep it as a treasure?
Praying mantises: appearance and structural features
Praying mantises are large insects, and females are much larger than males. There are about two thousand species of praying mantises in the world. The common mantis (lat. Mantis religiosa) measures about 6 cm in length. The largest of the mantises, the Chinese mantis, reaches a length of 15 cm.
The body of mantises is elongated, the head is almost triangular, mobile. Large, round, bulging eyes that point slightly forward and downwards provide it with a much wider field of vision than a human. And thanks to its extremely flexible neck, the praying mantis can turn its head so that it will notice any creature approaching it from behind. The mouth is well developed and equipped with biting jaws or a sucking proboscis.
Among the praying mantises there are both winged and wingless ones. In insects equipped with wings, both pairs of wings are well developed. The front wings are narrower than the hind wings and denser. When at rest, the wide membranous hind wings are folded like a fan and covered with elytra. It must be said that the wings are for their intended purpose, i.e. for flight, the praying mantis rarely uses it. Rather, he needs them to intimidate prey, as well as enemies.
The body structure of the praying mantis indicates that the insect is well adapted to a predatory lifestyle. The abdomen is ten-segmented, soft and flattened, with numerous long outgrowths - cerci (serve as olfactory organs). The long thigh is seated along the lower edge with three rows of strong spines. The lower edge of the tibia also has 3 rows of pronounced spines. The thigh and lower leg fold together to form a powerful grasping apparatus that acts like scissors.
Mantis - master of camouflage
Some types of mantises are green in color, so they are difficult to notice among the grass and foliage, while others can have a pinkish tint, as a result they merge with flower petals. And, for example, the Indian mantis has a brown tint and on the ground looks like just a fallen leaf.
The praying mantis's body shape and various camouflage colors allow the insect to blend in with plants, making it virtually invisible to both potential victims and enemies. The praying mantis itself can also become a victim of larger predators (birds, lizards). To protect itself from enemies, the praying mantis has a number of protective devices.
Thus, the camouflage color makes the praying mantis hidden in the grass almost invisible. Gives the insect movement. Under normal circumstances, the praying mantis moves very slowly, but when in danger it can quickly crawl to cover. When there is a clear threat, the insect visually increases the area of its body, opening its wings, and begins to sway from side to side, trying with all its might to scare away the enemy. The insect tries to hit the enemy with its front legs with sharp spines.
Why is the praying mantis called that?
The praying mantis family includes about 800 species. They have long and narrow bodies, six legs, brown or green wings up to 5 cm long. But why is this insect called somewhat unusually - a praying mantis?
The praying mantis got its name because of its body structure, habits and, naturally, associative connections of people. Very often it can be seen in a motionless pose, with its front, largest legs raised up. He stands there for hours, folding them, as if he is praying. The structure of the praying mantis's forelimbs vaguely resembles human arms, bent at the elbows. Rubbing them and shaking its head, the praying mantis resembles a praying person. Hence the name “mantis”, that is, it prays to God. Even the great Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus gave this insect a name associated with religion - Mantis religiosa, that is, “religious predictor (prophet).”
Despite such a benevolent name, praying mantises are considered one of the most cruel and bloodthirsty insects. The praying mantis folds its legs in this way not for prayer, but for hunting. As soon as any insect appears nearby, the praying mantis quickly throws its folded legs forward and grabs the victim. Sharp serrations located on the inside of the front legs help the mantis hold it.
Praying mantises hop on four hind legs and can fly from place to place. Moreover, they are the only insects that can turn their heads to the sides and back and even look over their shoulders. So it is difficult for the victim to dodge them; they will still notice him. Mantises catch prey and, holding it with their paws, slowly savor it.
This insect has long been of interest to scientists and fear of all people who have heard about it. People call praying mantises “soothsayers” and “mule killers.” The first name apparently comes from the meaningful pose of “praying”, and the second comes from the belief that the saliva of a praying mantis can poison a mule.
The common mantis is an insect belonging to the family of true mantises. This is the most common representative of the species in Europe.
Description
This is a fairly large insect. The common mantis, whose sizes range from 42 to 52 mm (males) and from 48 to 75 mm (females), is a predator. It has forelimbs adapted for holding food. The praying mantis is part of the cockroach order, forming a numerous species consisting of three thousand subspecies.
His name was given by Carl Linnaeus, the great taxonomist, who noticed that the pose of the praying mantis, when it sits in ambush, is very reminiscent of a person folding his hands in prayer. Therefore, the scientist named him Mantis religiosa, which translates as “religious priest.”
Coloring
You are probably familiar with the common praying mantis from your school biology textbooks. Its color type is very variable, ranging from yellow or green to dark brown or brownish-gray. Usually it corresponds to the habitat and matches the color of the grass, stones and leaves.
The most common color is green or white-yellow. Older individuals have a paler outfit. Dark brown spots appear on the body with age. This is explained by the fact that the body stops producing amino acids important for life: methionine, leucine, tryptophan, etc. In laboratory conditions, when these substances are added to food, the life of the insect almost doubles - up to four months. This is the maximum period that an ordinary praying mantis can live.
Biological features
These insects have well-developed wings, they fly well, but males move this way only at night, and during the day they occasionally allow themselves to flutter from branch to branch. The praying mantis has four wings. Two of them are dense and narrow, and the other two are thin and wide. They are able to open up like a fan.
The head of a praying mantis triangular shape, very mobile, connected to the chest. It can rotate 180 degrees. This insect has well-developed front legs, which have powerful and sharp spines. With their help, it grabs its victim and then eats it.
The photo of the common mantis, which you can see below, clearly demonstrates that this insect has well-developed eyes. It has excellent vision. The predator, being in ambush, watches environment and instantly reacts to moving objects. It approaches the prey and grabs it with its strong paws. After this, the victim does not have the slightest chance of survival.
Unlike males, who feed on rather small insects, heavy, large females prefer their fellows of the same, and sometimes larger, size than them. Interesting story, associated with told E. Teal. He observed a funny situation on the street of one of the American cities. Car traffic was stopped. The drivers watched with interest the duel between the sparrow and the praying mantis. Surprisingly, the insect won the fight, and the sparrow had to retreat from the battlefield in shame.
Photo of the common mantis, habitat
The praying mantis is quite widespread in southern Europe - from Portugal to Ukraine and Turkey. He did not bypass the islands of the Mediterranean Sea (Corsica, Balearic, Sicily, Sardinia, the islands of the Aegean Sea, Malta, Cyprus). It is often found in Sudan and Egypt, in the Middle East from Iran to Israel, and on the Arabian Peninsula.
The habitat of the common mantis also covers the southern regions of our country. Presumably introduced to the eastern United States, in New Guinea, in the 1890s. From these territories he populated almost all of America and southern Canada. At the very beginning of this century, the praying mantis was discovered in Costa Rica. There is unofficially confirmed evidence that the common mantis was found in Jamaica, Australia and Bolivia.
In Europe, the northern border of the range passes through countries and areas such as Belgium and France, Tyrol and southern Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria, southern Poland and Slovakia, forest-steppe regions of Ukraine and southern Russia.
Scientists note that at the end of the 20th century, the range began to expand to the north. The number of these insects has increased significantly in northern Germany, and the common mantis has appeared in Latvia and Belarus.
Features of reproduction
It must be said that it is not easy for a male praying mantis to start a romantic relationship: a female, larger and stronger, can easily eat an unlucky suitor, especially during the period when she is not ready to mate or is too hungry. Therefore, the common praying mantis (male) takes all precautions.
Mating season
Having noticed the fair half, the male begins to creep up on her much more carefully than on the most dangerous and sensitive prey. The human eye cannot detect his movements. It seems that the insect is not moving at all, but it is gradually approaching the female, trying to come from behind. If the female turns in his direction at this moment, the male freezes in place for a long time, while swaying a little. Biologists believe that these movements are a signal that switches the female's behavior from hunting to love.
This rather peculiar courtship can last up to six hours. It is better for the gentleman to be a little late for this date than to rush a minute. The common mantis breeds at the very end of summer. In Russia, mating occurs from mid-August to early September. The influence of sex hormones provokes an increase in aggressiveness in the behavior of the insect. At this time, cases of cannibalism are common. main feature common praying mantis - the female devouring the male after, and sometimes during mating.
There is a version that a male praying mantis cannot copulate if he has a head, so sexual intercourse in insects begins with an unpleasant procedure for the male - the female tears off his head. However, more often mating occurs without victims, but after its completion the female eats the male, and even then only in half of the cases.
As it turned out, she eats her partner not because of her special bloodthirstiness or harmfulness, but because of the great need for protein at the first stage of egg development.
Offspring
The common mantis, a photo of which you can see in this article, lays eggs in ootecae. This special shape laying characteristic of mollusks and cockroaches. It consists of horizontal rows of eggs, of which there can be two or more.
The female fills them with a foamy protein substance, which, when hardened, forms a capsule. Typically, up to 300 eggs are laid. The capsule has a fairly solid structure that easily sticks to plants or stones, protecting the egg from external influences.
Optimal humidity and temperature are maintained inside the capsule. In the ooteca, eggs cannot die even at temperatures down to -18 °C. In temperate latitudes the eggs overwinter, and in southern regions the incubation period is a month.
Larvae
Thirty days later, larvae emerge from the eggs. There are small spikes on their surface that help them get out of the capsule. After this, the larvae molt. Later they shed their skin and become similar to adults, but without wings. The larva of the common mantis is very mobile, it has a protective coloring.
In most areas of distribution, these hatch in late April - early May. In two and a half months they molt five times. Only after this do they become adult insects. The process of puberty lasts two weeks, then the males begin to look for their other half for mating. Mantises live in natural conditions for two months. The males die first. After mating, they no longer look for prey, become very lethargic and quickly die. They live only until September, and females survive them for a month. Their age ends in October.
Lifestyle and diet
The basis of the praying mantis' diet is insects. The largest individuals (mainly females) often attack lizards, frogs and even birds. The common mantis eats its prey slowly. This process can last about three hours, and the food is digested over the course of a week.
The praying mantis can hardly be called an amateur hiking. Only towards the end of summer do males radically change their lifestyle: they begin to wander around. When faced with its fellow insect, the insect gets into a fight, and the loser has a chance not only to die, but also to become dinner for the victorious opponent. Of course, on these journeys, male mantises are not looking for tournament glory at all, they need the love of a beautiful female.
The habitat of the common mantis is a tree or bush, but sometimes they can freeze on the grass or on the ground. Insects move from tier to tier, so they can be found both at the top of the crown and at the foot tall tree. And another one interesting feature: The mantis reacts exclusively to moving targets. He is not interested in stationary objects.
This predator is very voracious. An adult insect eats up to seven centimeter-sized cockroaches at a time. It takes approximately thirty minutes to eat the victim. First it eats soft tissues, and only after that it starts to eat hard ones. The praying mantis leaves limbs and wings from the cockroach. Softer insects are eaten whole. Typically, the praying mantis prefers When it has enough food, it lives on one tree throughout its life.
