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Mantis Is one of the strangest predatory insects on the entire planet. Some features of the life of an unusual creature, its habits, in particular the famous mating habits, can shock many. This insect is often found in ancient myths and legends of many countries. Some peoples attributed to them the ability to predict the coming of spring; in China, praying mantises were considered the standard of greed and stubbornness.
What it looks like: the structure and characteristics of the praying mantis
Mantis structure
As a rule, praying mantises have an elongated body, which is a distinctive feature of these insects. Praying mantises are one of the few insects that can make a complete rotation of the head around its axis.... That is why they can easily spot enemies from behind. The insect has only one ear, but its hearing is excellent.
Mantis eyes
Praying mantises have compound eyes that are located on both sides of the head. There are also three elemental eyes above where the antennae grow. The whiskers of the praying mantis, in turn, have a comb-like structure, can also be feathery and threadlike. The type of mustache differs depending on the type of insect.
Interesting fact: a praying mantis is called one of the varieties of wushu. According to Chinese beliefs, this style was invented by a peasant who had watched the hunting of praying mantises for a long time.
Most of the species of praying mantis are equipped with wings, but only males can use them for their intended purpose. Females are unable to fly due to their large size and weight. Each insect has two pairs of wings - front and rear. They are usually bright in color, sometimes with beautiful patterned patterns. However, there is one species of praying mantis that lacks wings at all - the earthen mantis.
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Praying mantis - structure and characteristics
Each praying mantis is well built, it has developed forelegs with which it can grab prey. The structure of the forelimbs is as follows: acetabular rings, thighs, legs with hooks at the ends, legs. Sharp spines are located on the lower thighs, there are also smaller spines on the lower leg.
The caught food of the praying mantis is clamped in the gap between the legs and thighs. They keep it until they completely eat it. Because of their unusual breathing apparatus, praying mantises have the simplest circulatory system. Oxygen enters the insect's body through a complex chain of several trachea, which are connected by stigmas.
What description
The praying mantis is an arthropod insect. It has an elongated body and a triangular head that rotates 180 degrees. The representative is able to notice an animal attacking from behind.
The representative has compound and bulging eyes. The organs of vision are localized on the lateral parts. There are 3 additional eyes. The mustache consists of many segments. The mouth is gnawing type.
A characteristic feature is the pronotum, widening upward. The trunk consists of 9 segments. The last part contains the respiratory organs.
Occasionally there is a rich pattern on the wings. Some of the praying mantises have no wings at all. The forelimbs of the insect are strongly expressed and developed. There are 5 segments and 2 large claws on the tarsi.
Praying mantises have very large front legs.
The hind feet are typical and do not differ from those of other arthropods.Breathing is carried out by the trachea system. The female is always larger than the male. The length of the body directly depends on the subspecies. Representatives reach 5 mm - 16 cm. Almost completely merges with the environment due to the camouflage nature of the color. The praying mantis is able to resemble leaves, sticks, etc. The shade is:
- green;
- brownish;
- orange.
The color changes after each molt. The name is due to the fact that the representative resembles a man who folded his hands and prays. The praying mantis flies quickly thanks to its developed wings.
The hind wings cover the elytra. The insect attacks prey and grips it with its paws. The mantis has a simple blood flow system. Sexual differences among representatives are strongly pronounced.
The color of the praying mantis directly depends on the environment. The beetle must adapt to the existing conditions. The representative is able to imitate tree bark, lichens and flowers.
Praying mantises can have a wide variety of colors.
In praying mantises, greenish and brown tones prevail in color. Some subspecies have a metallic sheen. Eyes are pronounced. After the act of intercourse, the female instantly eats her male and prepares to create new offspring.
The color directly depends on the habitat. The representative localized in the grass is green, and in the ground it is brown.
Dimensions (edit)
Ischnomantis gigas
The biggest difference among the sexes is size. Females are much larger than males. The largest species of praying mantis, Ischnomantis gigas, lives in Africa; it can grow up to 17 cm in length, holding the record among all praying mantises in size.
The second longest mantis species is Heterochaeta orientalis. The record size of these praying mantis representatives is slightly smaller - up to 16 cm. The simplest representatives of the species grow no more than 1.5 cm in length.
Interesting fact: In the USSR, there was a plan according to which it was possible to use praying mantises as protectors from agricultural pests. However, the idea was not realized, as the bees were killed by the predators.
What are the interesting facts
There are many interesting facts connected with praying mantises. In the last century, an agricultural program was developed on the territory of the USSR, the main idea of which was the use of an insect to suppress pests.
The insect is bred in artificial conditions to exterminate flies and mosquitoes. Kung Fu is a fighting art created by analogy with the movements of a praying mantis.
In China, the praying mantis is a symbol of greed and tenacity. The Greeks believed that the representative predicted the coming of spring.
Praying mantises reduce the likelihood of infection by killing certain insects that spread disease.
These insects feed on flies
Range - where does the praying mantis live?
Mantis habitat
Praying mantises are common all over the planet. They are found in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. A wide variety of praying mantises is noted in Asian countries. A few species can be found in the CIS countries. Also, insects were imported to Australia and North America, where they were able to take root.
Praying mantises live in the tropics and subtropics:
- In humid rainforests.
- In hot deserts, where the merciless sun constantly bakes.
- In meadows and steppes, completely covered with dense grass.
Mantis is thermophilic
By nature, praying mantises are thermophilic. They find it difficult to tolerate low temperatures. Now in Russia you can find real invasions of praying mantises migrating from other countries. They are looking for food and new habitats.
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Such migrations are very rare. Praying mantises prefer to live in already inhabited territories. They will stay on the same tree for their entire life, provided that there is food there.Movements of insects are noted mainly during the mating season, with impoverished territories and with danger.
Knows how to disguise, changing color
The praying mantis is an amazing creature in everything! You can find both green and sand mantis ... How do they change color? The fact is that the color of the insect is very variable - it varies from green to dark brown... Disguise helps them adapt to the background, blending in with it: whether it's earth or grass
... Praying mantises deftly merge with the surface on which they had to be in the first days after the molting process. And finally - it happens in a brightly lit area.
Why does a female praying mantis eat her husband?
During mating games, the female can eat her partner, confusing him with a potential victim. Also, females eat males for the reason that a lot of protein is required to carry offspring. In this case, not only partners are attacked, but also the rest of the species.
Before mating, the male dances in front of the partner, releasing an odorous substance. The smell indicates that the insect belongs to the same genus. Sometimes the female may not eat the male, but this happens very rarely. First, the gentleman loses his head, and then the female completely eats him.
Predators also hunt very gracefully. They are quite maneuverable, they can catch and kill a victim in a matter of seconds. A distinctive feature of insects is that they perfectly control all their movements in flight.
The diet
The common mantis is not a typical herbivorous insect, but belongs to carnivores. He is able to sit in ambush for a long time, and then sharply attack his prey, which exceeds the insect itself in size.
The mantis diet contains:
- flies;
- bees;
- mosquitoes;
- wasps;
- bumblebees;
- butterflies;
- beetles.
Larger representatives attack frogs, small rodents, and small birds. Praying mantises can eat their relatives, this is especially true during the mating season and the period of drinking.
Interesting!
More than once, cases of mantises attacking hummingbirds, frogs and lizards, and mice have been recorded.
For some animals, beetles themselves are food, birds, snakes, bats, and also the praying mantises themselves hunt for them.
Species of praying mantises: photos and names
At the moment, there are about 2 thousand different species of these insects.
Common praying mantis
Common praying mantis
Common praying mantises living in many countries of the world. They are quite large, reaching 7 cm in length. Mostly green or brown, they can fly. The body of the insect is oblong. The main distinguishing feature of this species is a small black spot in the area of the coxae of the forelegs.
Chinese mantis
Chinese mantis
Chinese praying mantises live in China. They are considered one of the largest. Females reach 15 cm in length. The main color is green, and may be brown. Juveniles are wingless, they can fly only when they grow up.
Creobroter meleagris
Creobroter meleagris
Creobroter meleagris, native to western Asia. Up to 5 cm in length. May be cream or white with brown stripes.
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Indian flower mantis
Indian flower mantis
Indian flower mantises live in and around Indian territories. They are very small - up to 4 cm. The body is slightly longer than that of the rest, covered with protective spines. Eye-like cream spots on the wings. They live in flowers and catch insects that want to gorge themselves on nectar.
Spiked Flower Mantis
Spiked Flower Mantis
The thorny flower mantis lives in African states. They are somewhat similar to the previous view. All wings are painted with interesting patterns, similar to eyes or spirals. The name is due to the thorns on the abdomen.
Orchid mantis
Orchid mantis
Orchid mantises are one of the most beautiful species of these insects.The name was given due to the color and appearance, similar to orchid petals. On these flowers, they wait and catch other insects. They grow up to 8 cm, while males are exactly half the size. The most fearless representatives of their family can rush even at large enemies.
Eastern Heterochaeta (HETEROCHAETA ORIENTALIS)
Eastern Heterochaeta (HETEROCHAETA ORIENTALIS)
The eastern heterochete is one of the largest representatives of the praying mantis. They can grow up to 15 cm in length. The bulk of individuals live in Africa, prefer to hide in the branches of bushes, therefore, they are outwardly similar to them.
Reproduction
Little praying mantises
Mating games end tragically for males. The female rips off their head and completely eats the male. With the onset of mating games, males begin to leave their habitats in search of a female. At the same time, they look for a pair for themselves by the smell emitted by it. When the male finds a passion, he dances with the release of a special secret. Only after the dance will he be considered a partner. The female does not kill her mate on a whim. So she provides her offspring with a supply of nutrients.
Interesting fact: for a long time, praying mantises were attributed to a mystical meaning, they became heroes of various legends. So, in Asian countries, stubbornness and ruthlessness were attributed to praying mantises, and among the Greeks they were considered harbingers of spring.
Clutch of mantis eggs
Sometimes the male can escape from an unsightly fate, but in this case, the female can kill herself. When the female lays eggs, she completely covers them with a sticky substance secreted by special glands, this protects future offspring. Mantis females can lay up to 400 eggs, depending on their species. Eggs develop up to six months. Larvae can develop very quickly and after the fourth molt they become similar to praying mantises.
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Larvae
Eggs mature for six months, then larvae emerge from them. This happens in the spring. The presence of two filaments and numerous thorns helps the larvae to be born. Then, molt occurs several times. Outwardly, they become similar to red stinging ants. They feed on small insects. After four to eight molts, the development process is faster.
Why is the praying mantis called that?
The name of the mantis, fixed academically, first appeared in 1758. The Swedish naturalist Karl Linnaeus called the insects this way. He watched the insects and made the interesting observation that they look like people diligently praying to God. Indeed, the front limbs of the praying mantises seem to be folded in constant prayer. The insect was nicknamed "Mantis religiosa", which means "religious priest" in Latin. In the Russian interpretation, the name "praying mantis" has stuck.
Karl Linnaeus was the first to scientifically describe the praying mantis
At the same time, the insect is not called a praying mantis in all corners of the planet. Mystical meanings are often attributed to praying mantises. In Spain, for example, the praying mantis is associated with death and is nicknamed the devil's horse. Such names can be associated with the cruel habits of the praying mantises, which terrify people.
Genesis
In the eighteenth century, K. Liney, a well-known scientist, studying the life of these amazing representatives of the species, noticed that he, guarding his victims in ambush, is surprisingly similar to a pilgrim offering prayers to God. As a result of this striking similarity, he was nicknamed "Mantis religiosa" or "praying mantis."
Inhabitants of other countries nicknamed him more frightening. "Muerte" - death or "Caballito del Diablo" - the devil's horse is what the Spaniards call him. He received such a nickname due to his predatory and dangerous nature.
Population and status of the species
Numerous populations of praying mantis are gradually decreasing.However, this feature is characteristic only of insects in the European part of the world. In African and Asian countries, praying mantises continue to breed. The great harm to populations is caused not by their natural enemies, but by human activity. Humans are destroying the natural habitats of praying mantises by cutting down forests and destroying fields. Sometimes there are situations when one species of praying mantis displaces another from certain territories. Sometimes genocide is arranged, as the praying mantises are very gluttonous.
Since insects are predominantly thermophilic, they do not reproduce well in cool areas. Larvae also develop more slowly, so full recovery takes a lot of time. Old generations manage to die out before new ones appear. To preserve the population, people try to minimize the damage caused by human activities to the environment.
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Benefits and harm to humans
Despite the aggressive behavior, praying mantises do not pose a danger to humans... Even despite the large size of some members of the family.
Mantis Thorns
The only harm that a praying mantis can do to an adult is to cut with claws. For this reason do not allow small children to see praying mantises... The nature of insects is far from ideal.
Predators are useful for agriculture, as they eat many agricultural pests. In Africa, praying mantises are brought into houses, where they eat flies. However, praying mantises are insatiable - they can destroy beneficial insects like bees.
Security measures
Despite the wide distribution of insects in some regions of Russia, the common mantis is listed in the Red Book. It is classified as a rare species in the Chelyabinsk, Voronezh, Kurgan, Belgorod and Lipetsk regions. The number of insects has decreased as a result of plowing the land, fallen grass, continuous hayfields, the use of pesticides in the processing of fields. In the habitats of praying mantises, economic activity is limited. To protect the species, it is prohibited to plow plots, graze livestock, use pesticides, kill or capture insects. In Germany, the common mantis is listed on the Red Leaf as a shrinking species. It cannot be caught in nature and kept at home as a pet.
Keeping praying mantises at home
Mantis terrarium
Praying mantises are suitable for keeping in terrariums. They are taken to homes where they are properly cared for. The most comfortable conditions for keeping praying mantises are as follows:
- Temperature range - 20-30 degrees Celsius.
- Indicators of humidity of the terrarium - not less than 60%.
There is no need to give water to insects, they get everything they need from food. In the wild, small species of praying mantises are replaced by stronger and larger ones, sometimes complete extermination of the species can occur in a certain area.
For praying mantises, you need to prepare special conditions of detention. A very interesting act on the part of a person can be considered the decision to get such an exotic pet. The terrarium does not need to be large. A small area in the form of a plastic or glass container is enough for praying mantises. The cover of the terrarium should be made of mesh, and its dimensions should accommodate at least three more such praying mantises. Better to add twigs or plant in a terrarium. So the insect will be able to climb on them as in natural conditions.
As mentioned earlier, praying mantises prefer a humid environment with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. They feed on other insects. On sale in pet stores you can find various bugs, ants, which will become live food for the praying mantis. Feeding should be regular, but mantises do not need a drinker.
