The Praying Prophet

Origin of Name: the Praying Mantis received it’s name by a clever observation. If you look closely, you can see how the Praying Mantis’s front legs are very prominent, as well as tucked inwards and held together. This posture suggests this creature may be “praying”. Also, in greek, “mantis” refers to “prophet”.

Ranges: I was surprised to discover that they are over 1,800 species of Mantis, or scientifically speaking Mantidea. Only twenty species live within North America. Mantises range far and wide across the globe, stretching from Southern North America to Southern areas of South America. They can be found throughout Africa, the Middle East and within Southern Europe. But that’s not all, Mantises are also found from Southern Asia to Australia!

Body Design:  Mantises have a triangular shaped head that is position on a long neck, which is known as a elongated thorax. Some species can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings. Many species can see 50 feet away from where they are standing! Their front legs that are equipped with long spikes are used for snatching pray. Their legs are also used to hold prey in place while they eat.  Females are also larger then males. 

(You can see the shape of the Mantis's head and the elongated thorax) 

(Mantis's are gifted with great eyesight)

Diet: Carnivore
Mantises are very beneficial to farmers and gardeners, because their diet consists of insects that can infect or consume foliage and crops. Praying Mantis eggs are commonly sold to introduce to crops and gardens to control pests. Mantises are also known to eat spiders, frogs, lizards, and even small birds and animals!

(My specimen got startled with the camera lense in her face. You can see how she is staring me down and pulling back her legs, letting me know how uncomfortable she is). 

Behavior: Mantises have evolved to camouflage into their surroundings. The prey of Mantises are easily deceived by their appearance, commonly mistaking this predator as a part of the plant in which they are upon. They are also known to stalk their prey while blending into their surrounds and calmly waiting for the right time to strike.

(You can see how easily these critters can blend into their surroundings)

Female Praying Mantises are known to kill and eat Males during or after mating. There are many theories that try to explain why females slay and eat their mates as to why males continue to mate with females. Many scientists theorize that females eat males because they need the extra protein to produce and lay their eggs. Males on the other hands, need to continue mating with females in order to continue their species. Therefore males give their life in order to produce a successful new generation of offspring.



Lifecycle: Most species of Praying Mantis only live to be six months old, but there are several species who live to be one year old. Eggs are laid in the fall within a “frothy” substance. As the colder seasons approach, the substance hardens, encasing and protecting the eggs until they hatch in the spring. Hatchings are also known to eat their own siblings after hatching, talk about survival of the fittest!

Mantis & Humans: Some species of Mantis are protected, because of human live collections. Also note, even though they are alarming predators, Mantises can not harm humans. The specimen I took photographs of, seemed to be as interested in me and my camera as I was too it. Her eyes often followed me with curiosity and made me understand why so many people collect living Mantises to keep for pets. They are a very interesting creature to observe and seem very interactive with you if you make your presence known. Be sure to handle Mantises with care. Like all insects, they have a very fragile exoskeleton and tender legs. Do not handle if you're uncomfortable. Like most wildlife, it is better to sit and observe, then interfere with their daily behaviors. 

Praying Mantis vs Mouse (Discovery Channel)

Praying Mantis attacks snake (Discovery Channel)

Mantis Mating Behavior

Nature's Perfect Predators- the Praying Mantis

Astounding Adaptations

One cool adaptation I have learned and used as a teaching tool is a new observation within California Ground Squirrel populations. California Ground Squirrels live in a large, intersecting burrow, where several dozen Ground Squirrels call home. They use their burrow for storing food, giving birth, raising young, resting, hibernation, and to hide from predators. Most predators can not breach the maze of tunnels that can reach four feet below the soil's surface. Some burrows can expand over thirty feet in length, which makes it pointless for predators to dig into burrows to find their prey.

Only one predator can breach the Ground Squirrels home, which are snakes. Snakes can easily enter and exit the Ground Squirrels' burrow, and being that each member within the colony create their own entrance into the burrow, snakes are provided ample ways to sneak into their home unseen. Snakes also hibernate during the winter and can use the Ground Squirrels burrow to sleep during the cold winter months. Now that wouldn't work out too well for the Squirrels who have been storing their food to have resources during this time. Also, newborns can not fight off snakes and can easily be eaten. Every Ground Squirrel does it's part to keep their homes snake free.

When you're out hiking and you hear barking and see a Ground Squirrel standing alert, making the loud ruckus, you know this Squirrel is alerting other Squirrels nearby of your presence. This behavior aids other Ground Squirrels in the area for danger. You can also observe this behavior with Quail, Scrub Jays, and other species.

But unlike other species, Ground Squirrels take their position of guarding their homes way further then most creatures do. They actually fight and trick their predators. It doesn't depend on the size of the snake or even if its a rattlesnake, they will try anything to scare away the snake. Throwing debris, kicking up dirt, biting, and dodging the snake are commonly observed. Also, California Ground Squirrels collect snake sheddings from various species. Rattlesnake and Gopher snake shedding is most commonly used. The Ground Squirrels chew on the snake shedding until it turns into a sticky paste. Ground Squirrels then rub this paste into the fur on their bushy tails. Snakes, who can only see by heat and smell, easily mistaken Squirrels (who now smell of snakes) for a larger snake and quickly slither away to safety.

Ground Squirrels use Gopher Snake and Rattlesnake shedding for two reasons. The first, rattlesnakes are venomous, and seen as a danger for many non-venomous species. Gopher Snakes one the other hand are immune to rattlesnakes (so are kingsnakes), and known to eat smaller snake species, including rattlesnakes.

So there are some adaptions I had shared and if you haven't learned them already, I hope you enjoyed it. I have attached some really cool videos on these adaptations.