Journal of a Naturalist: 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.