Mantids

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mantodea: //mænˈtoʊdiə//

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Images

Summary

The order Mantodea, known for its species commonly referred to as mantises or praying mantises, encompasses over 2,400 species characterized by their unique morphology, ambush predatory behavior, and distinct life cycle. Mantises are of great ecological significance as predators while also holding various cultural impacts throughout history and modern society.

Physical Characteristics

Mantises have large, triangular heads with a beak-like snout and mandibles, and two bulbous compound eyes supported by a flexible neck that allows them to rotate their heads nearly 180°. The prothorax is considerably longer than the mesothorax and metathorax, facilitating a wide range of movement. Mantises possess raptorial forelegs adapted for grasping prey, often adorned with spikes and spines, and can be categorized as macropterous (long-winged), brachypterous (short-winged), micropterous (vestigial-winged), or apterous (wingless).

Identification Tips

Look for the triangular head and prominent raptorial forelegs. Mantises typically exhibit an upright posture with forearms folded, resembling a praying position.

Habitat

Mantises are found in both tropical and temperate habitats, often in vegetation where they can ambush prey through camouflage or active pursuit.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical regions; over 2,400 species recognized globally, with around 28 species in 16 genera locally.

Diet

Mantises are generalist predators, primarily feeding on other arthropods, including insects, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs. They are ambush predators that either remain stationary or stalk their prey.

Life Cycle

Mantises undergo incomplete metamorphosis with three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Typically, they can grow through 5 to 10 molts before reaching adulthood. Lifespan varies, but generally ranges from several weeks to around a year.

Reproduction

In temperate climates, mating occurs in autumn; females lay eggs in an ootheca that overwinter and hatch in the spring. Mating can involve sexual cannibalism.

Predators

Mantises are preyed upon by birds, lizards, frogs, and various invertebrates such as spiders and hornets. Some species of wasps also target them.

Ecosystem Role

Mantises play a significant role as predators in their ecosystem, helping to control populations of various insects.

Economic Impact

Naturally occurring mantis populations can provide pest control in gardens, although their effect is considered negligible for biological pest management due to their non-specialized hunting behavior.

Cultural Significance

Mantises are often revered in various cultures as symbols of courage and supernatural powers. They have been depicted in art and literature, including ancient texts and modern media, and are considered good luck in some African cultures.

Collecting Methods

• Netting
• Hand collection
• Trapping

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning
• Drying

Evolution

Mantises are believed to have evolved from cockroach-like ancestors, with the earliest fossils dating back to the Early Cretaceous. They share a close evolutionary relationship with termites and cockroaches.

Similar Taxa

• Termites (Blattodea)
• Cockroaches (Blattodea)
• Stick insects (Phasmatodea)
• Mantisflies (Mantispidae)

Misconceptions

Often mistakenly thought to be related to grasshoppers or other raptorial insects, mantises are distinct members of the superorder Dictyoptera, closely related instead to termites and cockroaches.

Tags

• Mantodea
• Praying Mantis
• Insects
• Predators
• Ecology