9 Must-Know Facts About Mantis

Mantis, commonly known as Praying Mantises, belong to the order Mantodea. These fascinating omnivorous insects have an average lifespan of one year and are known for their triangular heads and bulging eyes, which aid their 3D vision—one of the fascinating facts about mantis.

Did you know that female mantises often eat their male partners after mating? Yes, it’s true! But there’s more to discover about these remarkable creatures. We have enlisted some lesser-known facts about mantis that will amaze you.

9 Must-Know Facts About Mantis

1: There Are Over 2,400 Species of Praying Mantises Worldwide

There are over 2,400 mantis species worldwide, spread across approximately 460 genera and 33 families. Despite their diverse appearances, they share many fascinating biological and behavioral traits. Some notable mantis species include the European Mantis, Carolina Mantis, Chinese Mantis, and Dead Leaf Mantis, each with its own captivating features.

2: The Mantises We See Most Often in the U.S. Are Exotic Species

Though the Chinese Mantis (Tenodera aridifolia) and the European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) are not native to the U.S., they are prominent species today. The Chinese Mantis (the largest mantis in North America) was introduced near Philadelphia, PA, about 80 years ago, while the European Mantis was first brought to Rochester, NY, around 100 years ago. 

3: Mantises Can Rotate Their Heads 180 Degrees

One peculiar fact about mantises is their ability to rotate their heads about 180 degrees. The mantis’s thorax, which resembles a neck due to its long and slender structure, is the central part of its body. 

Flexible joints between the head and thorax make mantises the only insects that can swivel their heads about 180 degrees (without moving the rest of their body) which further allows them to have a nearly 360-degree view of their surroundings. This feature helps mantises effectively locate prey and stay vigilant against predators.

4: Mantises Excel in Camouflage

Several insect species, including mantises, excel at camouflage, particularly leaf mimicry. Mantises come in various colors, ranging from green to brown, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. For instance, flower mantises blend in with flowers, while orchid mantises camouflage with the colors of orchid blooms. This remarkable ability helps them avoid predators and ambush prey.

5: Praying Mantises Have One Ear Near Their Front Legs

Yes, to add more to your surprise, one of the facts about mantis is that they have only one ear. Often referred to as an “auditory cyclops,” most mantids possess a single ear located below their belly, between their mid- and hind legs. 

However, this ear is not like the traditional ears that mammals have. Instead, it is a unique sensory organ that allows them to detect sounds and vibrations in their environment. This specialized sense organ helps them detect prey and aids in mating. Mantises can hear high-frequency sounds and can precisely trace the direction or frequency of a sound.

6: Praying Mantises Have Excellent Vision

Due to their two compound eyes, praying mantises have excellent vision, providing a broad field of view. Each eye contains about 10,000 ommatidia and a fovea (a dense area of photoreceptor cells), which helps them focus and track their prey. 

Their 3D vision is unique and allows them to measure distance and depth, enabling them to spot approaching prey accurately. This advanced vision system is a key factor in their success as hunters.

7: Female Mantises Often Eat the Male After Mating

Shockingly, some mantises engage in sexual cannibalism, where the female eats the male after mating. Female mantises require additional nutrients and protein for egg production, which they obtain by consuming their mates. However, this behavior is relatively rare, occurring in about 30% of matings. 

8: Mantises Have “Raptorial Legs” To Grasp Prey

Praying mantises have two spiked forelegs, known as “raptorial legs,” for catching and holding prey. Furthermore, the sharp spikes and joint structure in the legs allow precise movements. 

Mantises are deadly predators. They keep their prey either on the abdomen or hold with an arm between the head and thorax. They wait for the prey in an angelic pose, and when they find it, they swiftly grab the bees and flies with their sharp-spined raptorial legs. 

9: Female Mantises Lay Eggs in a Foamy Case for Protection Until Hatching

Female praying mantises deposit their eggs in a foamy liquid substance that solidifies to form a protective casing known as an ootheca. These casings, which are attached to shrubs and weeds, can contain about 50 to 400 eggs. While all eggs do not hatch, the nymphs that emerge slowly dry up and swiftly disperse to avoid predation by their siblings.

Conclusion

Mantises, these small green to brown-shaded omnivorous insects, are a marvel of nature. With about 2,400 species, they showcase a stunning array of adaptations. From their raptorial legs and 180-degree head swivel capacity to their exceptional 3D vision, the above-mentioned facts about mantis highlight some of their unique characteristics and remarkable adaptations.

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