#55: Praying Mantis

Litinsects #55: Praying Mantis

Here’s one you’ll probably recognize immediately: the praying mantis. These insects belong to the order MANTODEA and are most closely related to termites and cockroaches. And there are so many good fun facts to share about them so I will get right into it!

All mantises are characterized by their triangular heads, bulging compound eyes, and instantly recognizable RAPTORIAL FORELEGS, which are adapted for catching and gripping prey
Mantises are masters of camouflage, which not only protects them from predators but also allows them to avoid detection by prey. Flower mantises are camouflaged SO well to that they can wait undetected on a flower for an unsuspecting pollinator to come right to them. This is known as AGGRESSIVE MIMICRY
Most mantises are AMBUSH PREDATORS and rely heavily on sight to locate prey, meaning they are often diurnal. They will eat pretty much any type of insect and arthropod and have even been observed eating small birds and lizards. They really are not picky eaters
One of the most well-known facts about these insects is that females eat males after mating, known as SEXUAL CANNIBALISM. Because reproduction is costly, it is no surprise that females who eat their mates are able to produce more eggs than ones who don’t. One study used traceable radioactive amino acids to show that the consumed tissues of the male are allocated into eggs and not into the female’s own body. So in a way, a male’s final act is helping his kids get a good start
Mantis forewings are modified into TEGMINA, which are a pair of leathery wings used as protection for the hindwings and as camouflage. Some mantises, though, are completely wingless

And now, the coolest facts for last:

Mantises are the ONLY insects that can turn their heads 180 degrees to look over their shoulders! Because they are visual hunters, this helps them scan their surroundings for a potential meal
They are also the only animal known to have only ONE EAR. It is located on the underside of the thorax and is most likely used to detect the ultrasonic calls of bats. There is still some debate as to the function of mantis ears, however; because a single ear is not able to sense directionality of sound and because their hearing does not even cover the full range of bat calls, it has some scientists wondering...

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