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Index of Bugs
This is a mantis. Two or more of these insects are called mantids.
Cockroaches, and stick insects are considered close relatives of mantids. They
all belong to the order Orthoptera. Adult mantids can reach 15 cm in length.
Mantids are the only insects that are able to turn their triangular-shaped
heads from side to side. They have an elongated prothorax onto which the front
legs are attached.
The mantids’ forelegs have sharp spines on them. These rows of spines are used to grasp their prey.
The forelegs of the mantis are folded and held together when the animal is at rest. This makes the insect look as if it is praying. This is why it is often called the praying mantis.
Mantids are predators that sit and wait for their prey, looking almost
invisible because of how well they are camouflaged among the leaves and stems
in their habitat. When prey comes close, the mantis flips out its front legs
to catch it in its sharp spines. Mantids are carnivores. Adult mantids lie in
wait for butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, and even other mantids. Some large
adult mantids even eat animals much larger than themselves, like frogs,
lizards, and small birds. Mantid nymphs will eat small insects such as fruit
flies. As mantids grow and molt, they require larger prey. The mantis grabs
the prey with its strong, spiny front legs and uses its biting and chewing
mouthparts to eat it.
Mantids have a sensitive compound eye on each side of their head that can detect movement up to 60 feet away and allows them to estimate distances accurately.
Find unique mantis gifts and apparel at the Totally Buggin Store!
To learn more about mantids and to see them in action, order the Backyard Bugs DVD.
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