Is a praying mantis the only insect that can turn its head 360 degrees?

Praying mantises are indeed amazing creatures known for their impressive mobility, and they can rotate their heads a full 360 degrees. However, they are not the only insects capable of such head rotation. Several other insect species possess this same remarkable ability. Here are a few notable examples:

Dobsonflies (Family: Corydalidae)

Dobsonflies, also known as hellgrammites in their larval stage, possess highly-mobile heads that grant them the same 360-degree range of motion as praying mantises. Both adults and larvae exhibit this impressive agility.

Antlions (Family: Myrmeleontidae)

Antlions, with their long, cone-shaped pits or traps built in sandy terrain, surprise their prey with lightning-fast strikes. To facilitate this hunting strategy, antlions can swivel their heads a complete 360 degrees.

Owlflies (Family: Ascalaphidae)

Owlflies, resembling delicate flying dragons, boast incredibly flexible necks, permitting them to turn their heads like praying mantises, scanning their surroundings with utmost proficiency.

Scorpionflies (Family: Panorpidae)

Scorpionflies bear an elongated rostrum resembling a scorpion's tail at the rear of their heads. Despite carrying this tail-like structure, they don't let it hinder their head mobility. Scorpionflies enjoy the same full-range movement of their heads like praying mantises.

So, while praying mantises indeed stand out for their head-turning prowess, they are joined by these other diverse insect species that share this special capability.