The Varieties of Praying Mantis

The praying mantis (mantis religiosa) was named for the bend in its front legs, which often mimic human hands in a gesture of prayer. Although there are discrepancies as to the exact number of species of praying mantis, most agree that the number is in the thousands. Regardless of the species, these legs are often covered with small spikes, which allow the mantis to capture and hold its prey while the mantis eats it alive. Prey include crickets, flies, grasshoppers, other praying mantis and any insect that is relatively the same size as the praying mantis.

  1. Life Cycle

    • On average, a praying mantis will live 12 months. The life cycle begins with the mating of a male and female. The male will jump on the female's back and begin the mating process. If she has not had enough to eat, the female may turn and eat the head of her male partner. Depending on the species, the female mantis may lay between 12 and 400 eggs in a frothy liquid that turns into a hard shell to protect the eggs from the winter. The nymph, or baby mantis, hatches looking like a young adult. Those that survive will often eat one of their siblings for their first meal.

    All Species

    • The species of praying mantises have many things in common. For example, all praying mantises can turn their heads a full 180 degrees. Although colors may range from brown to green and beige to pink, the praying mantis is camouflaged to blend in with its surroundings. A carnivorous insect, the praying mantis may range from half an inch to 6 inches in length, depending on the species. After several sessions of molting, the nymph is considered an adult. Praying mantises have six legs, two antennae and two wings. The females cannot fly.

    Particular Species

    • Species of the praying mantis can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are found in the largest quantities in tropical rain forests in South America, Africa and Asia. The European and Chinese mantises were brought to the United States for use as pest control in gardens. Although carnivorous, the mantis will only bite a human finger if it is viewed as prey. Although the insect is typically green or brown, the orchid mantis is pink, white or a combination of the two colors. The female is very large in relation to the male and will also wait for her prey, whereas the male may become very hyperactive. The dead leaf mantis, however, is a very docile species of praying mantis. It is often afraid of large prey and will play dead.

    Mantises and the Five Senses

    • Praying mantises have the same five senses that humans do. Unlike other insects, their hearing is astounding. From the ear in the middle of their stomach, they can hear up to the high-pitched sounds of a bat, which often save the lives of praying mantis, by allowing them to quickly jump to the ground. Most insects can sense the vibrations of sounds. Unlike most insects that can see only short distances in front of them, the two large eyes of the praying mantis allow it to accurately judge distance.