The praying mantis spends the bulk of its life waiting to ambush the next unlucky passerby. The creature perches on a branch where its long, green body blends in with the leaves around it. When an unsuspecting insect wanders too close, the mantis springs to life and attacks with lightning speed.
No Escape: The mantis' strong front legs are claw-like pincers, lined with saw-tooth edges. The spikes pierce and hold prey in an inescapable grip.
Death Watch: When hunting, the praying mantis stays almost completely still. The insect's only movement is to slowly swivel its head around so its large, sharp eyes can search for prey.
Staying for Dinner?[]
When it's time to breed, the female praying mantis releases a scent to let males know she's ready. For the male, it can be a risk to take the female up on her offer. While the male is fertilizing her eggs, the female is known to occasionally turn around and eat her mate-starting with his head. Amazingly, the rest of the male's body can function, and he finishes his task.
Amen: The praying mantis (pictured above) typically sits with its front legs held up together and close to its head. This is how the insect got its name-it looks like it's saying a prayer.
Amputate: If a predator catches a mantis by the leg, the insect's limb can break loose so it can escape. Unless the mantis is very young, the leg will not grow back.
This Fly's an Easy Catch[]
- Looking for prey, the praying mantis sits motionless on its perch. Even when it spots a potential victim, the insect stays still.
- The fly comes within range and the mantis strikes in a flash. Within a fraction of a second, the prey is trapped in the mantis' pincers.
- Small but sharp jaws rapidly cut into the victim's body. The praying mantis usually starts its feast at the prey's head.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The praying mantis is the only Mantis not in Tiny Terrors.
- The praying mantis' hunting method is compared to that of Gladiator Insects on the latter's knowledge card.
- The praying mantis is featured in Who Am I? on Monster Mania 11.