Mantis interesting facts for children. The praying mantis is an amazing insect. Praying mantis in the pose for which he got his name

The praying mantis is perhaps one of the most amazing and strange insects on our planet, both in its habits and way of life, some features of which can slightly (or even strongly) shock us people. Yes, we are talking about the famous mating habits of praying mantises, when the female praying mantis after the mating process (and sometimes right during the process) eats her unlucky cavalier. But, of course, praying mantises are not only remarkable for this, and in our today's article we will tell you about all aspects of the life of these unusual insects.

Origin of the name praying mantis

The academic name for the praying mantis back in 1758 was given by the great Swedish naturalist Karl Liney, who drew attention to the fact that the pose of the praying mantis, which is in ambush and guarding prey, is very similar to the pose of a man who folded his hands in prayer to God. Because of such a striking similarity, the scientist gave the insect Latin name“Mantis religiosa”, which literally translates as “religious priest”, the name “praying mantis” itself came into our language.

Although it is not called that everywhere, our hero also has other, by no means so blissful names, for example, in Spain he is called Caballito del Diablo - the devil's horse or simply - muerte - death. Such creepy names are obviously associated with no less creepy habits of praying mantises.

What does a praying mantis look like: structure and characteristics

The structure of the praying mantis is characterized by an elongated body, which distinguishes it from other arthropod insects.

The praying mantis is perhaps the only living creature that can easily turn its triangular-shaped head 360 degrees. Thanks to such a useful skill, he can see the enemy approaching from behind. And he also has only one ear, but, despite this, just excellent hearing.

The praying mantis eyes of a complex faceted structure are located on the sides of the head, but in addition to them, our hero has three more simple eyes above the base of the antennae.

The antennae of praying mantises are comb-like, feathery or filiform, depending on the species of the insect.

Praying mantises, almost all of their species, have well-developed wings, but mostly only males can fly, females, by virtue of their more weight and size, it is more difficult to fly than males. Praying mantis wings consist of two pairs: anterior and posterior, the anterior ones serve as a kind of elytra protecting the hindwings. Also, pilgrimage wings usually have bright colors, and sometimes they even have peculiar patterns on them. But among the many varieties of praying mantises, there is such an earthen praying mantis (the Latin name is Geomantis larvoides), which does not have wings at all.

Praying mantises have well-developed forelimbs, which have a rather complicated structure - each of them consists of many parts: trochanters, hips, shins and legs. From the bottom of the thigh there are large sharp spikes arranged in three rows. There are also spikes (albeit smaller ones) on the praying mantis shin, which is adorned with a sharp, needle-shaped hook at the end. See the picture for an exemplary structure of the praying mantis foot.

Praying mantises keep their prey just between the thigh and lower leg until their meal is over.

Praying mantises have a primitive circulation, but there is a reason for this - an unusual respiratory system. the praying mantis is supplied with a complex system of tracheae connected to dichals (stigmas) on the abdomen in the middle and posterior parts of the body. The trachea contains air sacs that enhance ventilation throughout the respiratory system.

Praying mantis sizes

We have already mentioned above that female praying mantises are much larger than males, oddly enough, this is their main sexual difference.

A species of praying mantis, called in Latin Ischnomantis gigas and living in Africa, can reach 17 cm in length, perhaps this representative of the praying kingdom is a real champion in size.

Ischnomantis gigas is the largest praying mantis in the world.

Heterochaeta orientalis or Heterochaeta orientalis is a little inferior to him, it reaches 16 cm in length. Ordinary praying mantises are much smaller, on average no more than 0.5-1.5 cm in length.

praying mantis color

Like many other insects, praying mantises have excellent camouflage abilities, this biological way protection from predators, because of this, their colors have, depending on the environment, green, yellow and brown tones. Green mantises live on green leaves, while brown ones are inseparable from the bark of trees.

What does the praying mantis eat

It's no secret that our hero is a notorious predator who loves to eat both smaller insects and is not afraid to attack prey even larger than himself. They eat flies, wasps, bumblebees, beetles, etc. Large representatives of the praying family (see above) can even attack small rodents, birds and small amphibians: frogs,.

Praying mantises usually attack from an ambush, suddenly grab the prey with their front paws and do not let go until they are completely eaten. Strong jaws allow these gluttons to eat even relatively large prey.

Mantid Enemies

Although praying mantises are excellent predatory hunters, they themselves can also become prey for snakes, some birds, or bats. But the main enemies of praying mantises, perhaps, are their own relatives - other praying mantises. There are often life-and-death fights between two rival praying mantises. The fights themselves, both between praying mantises and with other insects, are very spectacular, first of all, the praying mantis seeks to scare the opponent, for this he takes a special frightening pose - throws his front paws forward and lifts his belly up. All this may be accompanied by appropriate threatening sounds. Such a show of strength is by no means feigned, praying mantises are desperately brave and with courage rush even at a much larger opponent. Thanks to such courage and bravery, praying mantises often emerge victorious from such fights.

Where does the praying mantis live

Almost everywhere, since their habitat is very wide: Central and Southern Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, Australia. They are not only in northern regions, since praying mantises are not very accustomed to the cold. But they are great, for example, a hot and humid climate. tropical Africa and South America. Praying mantises feel great in tropical forests, and in the steppe regions, and in stony deserts.

They rarely move from place to place, preferring their usual habitat to unknown distant places, the only reason that can encourage them to travel is the lack of food supply.

Types of praying mantises: photos and names

Scientists have counted about 2000 different types of praying mantises, unfortunately we will not be able to bring them all in our article, but we will describe in our opinion the most interesting representatives.

Mantis common lives in most countries of Europe, Asia, Africa. The common praying mantis is a very large representative of the praying kingdom, reaching up to 7 cm (female) and 6 cm (male). As a rule, they are green or brown in color, the wings are well developed, at least it is not a problem for the common praying mantis to fly from branch to branch. Abdomen ovoid. This type of praying mantis can be distinguished by a black spot, which is located on the coxae of the front pair of legs from the inside.

Obviously, China is the birthplace and main habitat of this species of praying mantis. The Chinese praying mantis is quite large, females reach up to 15 cm in length, but the size of males is much more modest. They are green and brown. A characteristic difference between Chinese praying mantises is their night image life, while their other relatives still sleep at night. Also, young individuals of Chinese praying mantises do not have wings, which grow only after several molts, at the same time they acquire the ability to fly.

The praying mantis Creobroter meleagris lives in southwestern Asia: India, Vietnam, Cambodia and a number of other countries. Usually reach 5 cm in length. The colors are white and cream. You can recognize them by the light brown stripes that run throughout the body and head. Also on the wings they have one small and a large spot of white or cream color.

He is also a praying mantis Creobroter gemmatus especially loves wet forests. south india, Vietnam and other Asian countries. This species is small, females grow up to only 40 mm, males up to 38 mm. The body is more elongated than that of other relatives. And for additional protection, there are special spikes of different heights on the hips of the Indian praying mantis. Cream colored. Representatives of this species excellent fliers, and both males and females, due to their low weight, besides, both pairs of wings are well developed. Interestingly, on the front wings they have a spot similar to an eye with two pupils, which scares off predators. Flower mantises live, as their names imply, in the flowers of plants, where they guard their prey.

He is a praying mantis Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii lives in the countries of southern and eastern Africa. In terms of lifestyle, size, it is very similar to the Indian flower mantis. But its coloring is especially interesting - it is really artistic, on the upper pair of wings there is an interesting pattern resembling a spiral or even an eye. On the abdomen of this species there are additional spines that gave it its name.

Orchid praying mantis - in our opinion is the most beautiful representatives of the praying mantis in the world. It also received its name not casually, namely for resemblance with beautiful orchids, on which he actually hides in ambush in anticipation of the next victim. females orchid praying mantis exactly twice as many males: 80 mm versus 40. And even among other praying mantises, orchid mantises are distinguished by amazing courage, representatives of this species are not afraid to attack even insects that are twice their size.

Oriental heterochaete or spiky-eyed mantis is one of the largest mantises in the world (the female reaches 15 cm in length) and lives in most of Africa. These praying mantises live in the branches of bushes, since their appearance also resembles twigs.

Praying mantis breeding

And here we move on to the most interesting part, namely the reproduction of mantises, which, as a rule, has a sad and tragic end for males. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, but let's start in order. With the onset of the mating season (usually in autumn), male praying mantises begin to search for females ready for mating with the help of charm organs. Finding one, he performs in front of her a special “ mating dance”, which translates it into the rank of a sexual partner. Then the mating process itself begins, during which the female praying mantis has a bad habit of biting off her male's head and then completely eating him. Some scientists believe that such behavior, which is more than terrible in our opinion, also has its own biological reasons - having eaten her “groom”, the female, in such a simple way, replenishes the reserves of protein nutrients necessary for future offspring.

Although it also happens that the male manages to get away from his “beloved” in time than to avoid the sad fate of food.

After some time, the fertilized female lays eggs, at the same time enveloping them with a special sticky secret that is secreted by their special glands. This secret serves as a kind of protective capsule for the eggs of future praying mantises and is called ootheca. The fertility of the female depends on her species, usually the female is able to lay from 10 to 400 eggs at a time.

Praying mantis larvae stay in the eggs from three weeks to six months, after which they crawl out of the eggs. Further them development is underway at a fairly fast pace and after about 4-8 molts, the larva is already reborn into an adult praying mantis.

Keeping praying mantises at home

Terrarium

A very exotic and unusual act would be to get yourself house praying mantis, is not it? However, there are people who have such “pets” and if you want to join them too, then the first thing you have to take care of is the terrarium. A relatively small, glass or plastic terrarium with a mesh cover is suitable, its dimensions should be at least three times the size of the praying mantis itself. Inside it would be nice to place twigs or small plants on which the praying mantis will climb like trees.

Temperature

Praying mantises are thermophilic insects, so optimal temperature for them it will be from +23 to +30 C. You can use special heaters for terrariums.

Humidity

Also, do not forget about humidity, which is also important for these insects. The optimal humidity for praying mantises is 40-60%, and to maintain it, you can put a small container of water inside the terrarium.

How to feed praying mantises at home

Living food. Perfect fit, grasshoppers, cockroaches, flies. Some species of praying mantis will not mind eating ants. And with all this, they need to be fed regularly, so keeping such “pets” can be somewhat troublesome. But praying mantises do not need to be watered, since they get the fluid they need from food.

• One of the styles of Chinese wushu martial arts is named after the mantis, according to legend, this style was invented by a Chinese peasant watching the mantis hunt.
• In the Soviet Union at one time they wanted to industrially use praying mantises as biological protection from agricultural pests. True, this idea had to be abandoned, since the praying mantises also ate beneficial insects, the same bees.
• Since ancient times, praying mantises have been frequent heroes of various myths and legends among African and Asian peoples, for example, in China they personified stubbornness and greed, and the ancient Greeks attributed to them the ability to predict the onset of spring.

Mantis - an insect from another planet, video

And in conclusion, we bring to your attention an interesting popular science film about praying mantises.

Over 2 thousand species of these insects live in the world. And on the territory of our region, only one lives - the common praying mantis.

This predator is not at all as pious as it might seem. Sitting in ambush for hours in a humble pose, he, like an experienced commando, merges with the vegetation. Fortunately, the natural coloring allows him to do this without special training. And at the right moment, the praying mantis grabs its prey with lightning speed and gnaws it alive.

As the professor of the Department of Biology of BelSU explained Alexander Prisny, the praying mantis is the closest relative of the cockroach. But unlike him, he is not content with garbage. Lives not in apartments, but in meadows and steppes. Yes, and a larger size: the local specimen reaches 6 cm in length, and the Chinese one is twice as large.

The praying mantis is distributed on all continents. But there are very few representatives of some species left, so they are listed in the Red Book.

Scare size

The green mantis, also known as the common mantis, often imitates grass, so it is difficult to see it. Large bulging eyes provide great review. A fly, a wasp or a butterfly gapes, and he has already noticed it. The head is triangular, the neck is so flexible that it can turn back like an owl.

These clumsy predators are terribly voracious. Always ready to attack makes them hold their front legs with tenacious spikes, like scissors. They eat everything from aphids to bugs. Females are not afraid to grab prey much larger than themselves, such as a frog.

Some species have wings, but more often they use them to intimidate enemies. And the praying mantis has a lot of enemies.

Photo from pixabay.com

“Young individuals can be eaten by predatory beetles (ground beetles), spiders, lizards. Adults are some birds, for example, shrikes,” says Prisny.

The trick of the praying mantis is not to run away, but to scare the enemy. When he is attacked, he tries to visually become larger. To do this, it sharply throws out its wings and hisses, swaying from side to side.

Deadly mistress

The plot, which can serve as a horror film, is commonplace for praying mantises. They only mate once. The female is always larger than her boyfriend. And this fatal lady with a high probability will not only break his heart, but also bite off his head. Right during the action.

“She eats it if she is hungry,” explains the professor. – This food goes to the development of the eggs and the formation of the egg capsule. In other words, for procreation.

Scientists believe that the female praying mantis is inclined to cannibalism by an off-scale amount of sex hormones. Here, too, the gentleman is exhausted, he cannot resist ... And for further development in ootheca (laying form) eggs are required a large number of squirrel.

Having chosen a lady of the heart, the future father sneaks up behind her for several hours. And then he tries to quickly leave the place of the orgy in order to avoid the role of an appetizer. The probability of losing your head is reduced if the chosen one has eaten tightly before the start of love games. But the paradox is that only a hungry female releases a huge amount of attracting pheromones. It is for such fragrant ladies that praying mantises arrange real duels not for life, but for death. True, their age is already short-lived - these insects live on average for about a year.

Is it possible to keep praying mantises at home?

AT recent times it has become fashionable to keep praying mantises in terrariums. For humans, they are practically safe - only a large female can bite through human skin.

“It’s better to have males. Moreover, in the second half of September and in October, when the breeding season is over, Prisny advises.

Feed the pet will have only live and twitching food. Crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, flies are perfect. Neighbors less than himself, he will definitely eat. Putting two males together is also not worth it.

It is believed that praying mantises are orderlies of the fields. In the Soviet Union, at one time they wanted to use them industrially as a biological protection against pests of agricultural plantations. True, this idea had to be abandoned, because the praying mantises also ate beneficial insects, the same bees. In the US and Asian countries, they are still kept in houses to control flies.

Some peoples had a belief that, having frightened the praying mantis, a person shortens his life. It was believed that his bite saves from warts, and he himself is able to predict the future and show the way: the insect should stretch its upper leg in the direction where it should go.

The ancient Greeks attributed to him the ability to predict the onset of spring. And in Rome, if someone fell ill, they said to him: "It was the praying mantis who looked at you".

The praying mantis played a cult role: his image was found on a Proserpine coin from Metapontum, next to the sacred ear of the Eleusinian mysteries.

On the engraving of the famous Dutch artist Maurits Escher a praying mantis is depicted, who prays for the remission of the sins of the deceased religious dignitary.

The praying mantis is named after one of the styles of Chinese wushu martial arts. It was invented by a Chinese peasant who was watching a predator hunt.

Anna Morozova

The praying mantis is an arthropod insect that belongs to the mantis order (lat. Mantodea, Mantoptera).

The origin of the international name "Mantodea" is not known for certain. This detachment received a Russian definition due to some similarity of the front limbs of an insect with human arms bent at the elbow joint. In this position, the praying mantis is in ambush and waits for prey, shaking its head from time to time. Because of this feature of behavior, as well as due to associative perception, an insect resembling a person who reads a prayer got its name.

Taken from: artfile.me

Mantis - description, structure, characteristics. What does a praying mantis look like?

Almost all praying mantises have an elongated body of a characteristic structure that distinguishes them from other arthropod insects. The movable praying mantis head has almost triangular shape and is able to rotate almost around its own axis. Thanks to this, the insect can notice the enemy approaching from behind.

The convex large compound eyes of the praying mantis have a complex structure and are located far from each other along the lateral edges of the head.

In addition to them, the insect has 3 simple eyes that are located above the base of the antennae.

The antennae of the praying mantis consist of numerous segments and, depending on the species of the insect, are filiform, feathery or comb-shaped.

The mouth apparatus of praying mantises is of the gnawing type and is directed downwards.

characteristic feature insects of this order is that the pronotum, expanded in the upper part, almost never overlaps the head.

Soft, slightly flattened abdomen, consists of 10 segments.

The last segment of the abdomen ends with long paired appendages of numerous segments, cerci, which are the organs of smell.

In males, the cerci are better developed than in females.

Cerci and ovipositor of the female praying mantis Stagmomantis carolina. Photo Credit: Kaldari, Public Domain

In almost all species of mantis, both the front and rear pair of wings are well developed, thanks to which the insect can fly. It is noteworthy that the narrow and dense wings of the front pair serve as a kind of elytra that protect the hind wings. The rear pair of wings is wide, has many membranes and is folded like a fan.

Often, praying mantis wings are brightly colored or have a specific pattern on them. But there are also varieties of praying mantis, completely devoid of wings and in their own way appearance resembling larvae. Such, for example, is the earth mantis (lat. Geomantis larvoides).

AT thoracic region of these insects, the front pair of limbs is especially well developed. Each of them consists of an elongated coxa, a trochanter, a femur, which is slightly longer than the coxa in size, a tibia and a tarsus, consisting of 5 segments.

In its lower part, the thigh is studded with large sharp spikes arranged in 3 rows, the lower leg also has spikes, although smaller ones, and at the end of the lower leg there is a sharp needle-shaped hook. The last segments of the tarsi end in two rather large claws.

Along the entire length of the thigh there is a groove into which the lower leg is inserted, like the blade of a folding knife that retracts into the handle. Praying mantises capture their prey and hold it between the thigh and lower leg until the process of eating food is over.

The middle and hind pairs of legs have a structure typical of arthropods.

Forelimbs of the praying mantis Otomantis scutigera. Photo by: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0

The circulatory system of praying mantises is rather primitively developed, which is a consequence of the way they breathe. The body is supplied with oxygen through a complex branched system of tracheae, which are connected to spiracles (stigmas) lying on several segments of the abdomen, as well as located on the middle and posterior parts of the body. Expansions (air sacs) can form in the trachea, which increase ventilation of the entire respiratory system.

Sexual differences in praying mantises are quite pronounced and are manifested in the size of individuals: females are always much larger than males.

On the left is a female, on the right is a male common praying mantis. Left photo author: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0. Right photo credit: Nicolas Weghaupt, Public domain

Some praying mantises can reach a length of 17 cm, such as the species Ischnomantis gigas, which lives in Africa, or Heterochaeta orientalis, which is also called the oriental heterochaete and reaches a size of 16 cm.

Other praying mantises are very small in size and grow no more than 0.5-1.5 cm in length - such, for example, are crumb praying mantises.

The body color of the praying mantis depends on the environment, as it is camouflage in nature.

There are praying mantises that look like green leaves, flowers or sticks, other species imitate tree bark, lichens, or even the black color of ashes after a fire.

The species Gonatista grisea is almost indistinguishable from the whitish growths on the tree. Photo by: Yaroslav Kuznetsov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Deroplatys lobata is very similar to a brown leaf. Photo by: Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 3.0

The species Choeradodis rhombicollis resembles a green leaf of a tree. Photo by: Benjamint444, GFDL 1.2

Humbertiella sp. disguised as tree bark. Photo credit: L. Shyamal, CC BY-SA 3.0

It is unlikely that you will notice the Pogonogaster tristani praying mantis against the background of green moss. Photo by: Leonardo Miranda Di Giambattista, CC BY-SA 3.0

Most praying mantises are green, yellow or brown, although there are species with brighter and more contrasting colors.

It is noteworthy that the colors of individuals of the same species can vary quite a lot, and also change after each molt.

Metallyticus splendidus shimmers with different colors and has a metallic sheen in color. Photo credit: 김준석

Mantid Enemies

When attacked by an enemy (, birds, or) or having met with a rival relative, the praying mantises try to scare the enemy. They take a rather frightening pose, spreading their wings like a fan, pushing forward grasping paws and lifting up the end of their abdomen. This posture can be complemented by threatening sounds. For example, the Sarawak praying mantis (lat. Hestiasula sarawaka) rustles its wings loudly and makes a clicking sound created by the contact of the upper part of the forelimb with the thigh. If the enemy turns out to be much stronger, the praying mantis prefers to retreat and flies away, however, seeing his advantage, he bravely confronts the enemy and often turns out to be the winner in such a fight.

Mantis lifespan

The life expectancy of a praying mantis depends on the species and ranges from 2 to 11 months. In captivity, some species can live up to 1.5 years.

Where does the praying mantis live?

The distribution area of ​​praying mantises is quite wide and captures almost all countries of Asia, South and Central Europe as well as some African countries, South America. It includes Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Malta, Syria, India, China and Iran. Populations are noted in Yemen and Turkey, Malaysia and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Israel. Some mantises live on the territory of Russia, in Belarus, Tatarstan, Poland, Germany. On the merchant ships these insects were introduced and established in Australia and North America.

In the conditions of the tropics and subtropics, praying mantises live not only in humid forests, where they settle in the branches of trees or shrubs, but also in rocky deserts warmed by the sun. In Europe, these insects are common in the steppe regions, as well as in spacious meadows.

Praying mantises rarely change their habitat, and if potential food is present around them in sufficient quantities, then they will never leave the selected plant or individual branch. Active movements are resorted to during the mating period, when there is a lack of food supply in the habitat or, in rare cases, when attacked. natural enemies: birds, chameleons, snakes or relatives of a larger size. Almost all species of praying mantis lead a diurnal active lifestyle.

What does a praying mantis eat?

The praying mantis is a predator and its diet usually consists of other small and large insects. Representatives of this detachment are not averse to feasting on gaping, or. Large individuals can attack and eat small amphibians (, geckos), medium-sized birds and even small rodents.

These predators ambush their prey. They grab prey with their forelimbs and hold it until they have completely eaten it. Powerful jaws and structure oral apparatus allow these insects to gnaw in pieces even big booty.

Types of praying mantises, photos and names

In total there are more than 2000 species of praying mantis. Below is a description of several varieties.

• common praying mantis ( Mantis religiosa)

It lives in most countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its distribution area includes Portugal and Spain, Italy and France, Turkey, Germany, Austria and Poland, as well as numerous islands. mediterranean sea. This species is found on the territory of Sudan and Egypt, in Israel and Iran, as well as in Russia, ranging from southern regions and ending with Primorsky Krai. Introduced populations have been noted in Australia and North America. The common praying mantis is a rather large insect, the size of which reaches 4.8-7.6 cm in females and 4.0-6.1 cm in males. Individuals are colored green or brown with a yellow tint. Transparent praying mantis wings, trimmed with green or brown edging, are well developed. The rather long abdomen is egg-shaped. hallmark of this species is a black spot, which is located on both coxae of the front pair of legs from the inside. Often a light mark is visible in the center of such a spot.

• Chinese mantis (Chinese bowing mantis) ( Tenodera aridifolia, Tenodera sinensis)

Is an endemic species, which in vivo distributed throughout China. Adult female praying mantis reach 15 cm in length, the size of males is much more modest. The color of these insects does not depend on gender and is green or brown. Nymphs and juveniles lack wings. Chinese praying mantises acquire the ability to fly only after several molts. Tenodera sinensis shows vital activity at night. Life expectancy is 5-6 months.

• Creob roter meleagris

Widely distributed in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan and other countries in the South Asian region. Adults can reach 5 centimeters in length. The main body color of the praying mantis is cream or white. Stripes of light brown color of different widths run throughout the body, head and legs. The elytra and pronotum are olive green. On the elytra there are one small and one large speck of white or cream color. The larger spot has the shape of an ellipse, which is outlined in black above and below.

Taken from: www.nhm.ac.uk

• Creobroter gemmatus, which is also called Indian flower mantis

Is a typical inhabitant moist forests India, Vietnam and other South Asian countries. Sexually mature males of this species of praying mantis reach a length of 38 mm, females are larger and grow up to 40 mm. The body of the insect is elongated, and the width of the pronotum is noticeably less than its length. On the thighs there are several spikes of different heights. The body is cream colored with brown or greenish spots. Both pairs of wings are well developed, and on the upper pair, which plays the role of elytra, there is a large bright spot resembling an eye with two pupils and serving to scare away predators. The wings of males are longer than those of females. Due to the fact that the lower wings of the praying mantis, painted at the base in pink and brown, have numerous membranes, the impression of a bizarre scaly pattern is created. The insect lives in the flowers of plants, where it waits for prey in the daytime.

• Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii

Lives in hot and humid climate. Other informal names for this insect are - spiny or spiny flower mantis. This species lives in the countries of southern and eastern Africa: Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, as well as Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion. The size of adults is quite modest. The length of females does not exceed 40 mm, and males - 30 mm. The color of these praying mantises is heterogeneous - it combines white, cream, pinkish, yellow and green tones. On the upper pair of wings there is a rather interesting pattern resembling a green eye or a small spiral. It is noteworthy that the curls of these spirals on the right and left wings are directed towards each other. These insects have spines not only on the surface of the forelimbs, but also on the abdomen - hence the name of this praying mantis.

Taken from: media1.webgarden.cz

• Orchid Mantis ( Hymenopus coronatus)

Distributed in the tropical forests of India, Malaysia and Indonesia. This insect is considered one of the most beautiful representatives of the detachment. It got its name for its resemblance to the flowers on which it hides in anticipation of its prey. Sexually mature female the praying mantis has a rather impressive size and grows up to 80 mm in length. The size of males is much more modest and does not exceed 40 mm. A distinctive feature of this species are broad forelegs, small head and filiform antennae. The main color of the body of orchid praying mantises is white. However, it may vary depending on which flower the insect sits in ambush. Various shades of pink, orange, yellow, lilac or purple. This type of praying mantis is characterized by increased aggressiveness. They can attack prey that is twice the size of the hunter. By the way, orchid praying mantis larvae have a very unusual red and black color, which scares away potential enemies from them.

• idolomantis diabolica , which is also called Devil's flower or devil flower

Lives in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and other countries East Africa where it lives on the branches of shrubs and trees. Adult praying mantises of this species are quite large. Females can reach a length of 14 cm with a wingspan of about 16 cm. Male mantises are slightly smaller in size than females and rarely exceed 11 cm in length. The color of these insects can vary from various shades of green to light brown. The spikes located on the thighs of the front legs are of different lengths. Three shorter ones are visible between the long spines. A distinctive feature of this species is the characteristic leaf-like appendages formed by expanded cuticles, which are located on the back, as well as on the middle and hind limbs. In addition, unlike other species, in Idolomantis diabolica the top of the head tapers into a cone. Praying mantises of this species are very often kept in home terrariums.

Taken from: archiwum.allegro.pl

• Eastern heterochaete ( Heterochaeta orientalis), which also has the unofficial name spiky-eyed mantis

Found in most African countries. The female praying mantis reaches 15 cm in length. Males are smaller and grow up to 12 cm. Due to the fact that these insects live in the branches of shrubs, their appearance has unusual features that make them look like knots or twigs. In addition, in these African praying mantises, the spikes are located not only on the thighs and shins of the forelimbs, but also along the upper edges of the head, which has the shape of a triangle. This gives the impression that the eyes of the insect are wrapped around these spines. Such a structure of the organs of vision, combined with a long “neck” located between the head and prothorax, makes it possible for praying mantises of this species to easily notice prey or enemies not only in front and side, but also behind. It is noteworthy, but the body of the insect at this moment can remain completely motionless. The coloration of individuals depends on their age. If in the larval stage they are characterized by shades of brown, then light green shades are inherent in adults.

Taken from: www.deine-tierwelt.de

• Empusa pennata

A species from the genus Empusa, which is distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Africa, in most Asian countries, as well as in Portugal, Spain and Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus. Adult male praying mantis are slightly smaller than females, which grow up to 10 cm in length. A distinctive feature of the praying mantis is a peculiar high outgrowth on the head, resembling a kind of crown in shape. Males have comb-type antennae, and additional spikes that look like feathers crown the head. The color of the praying mantis depends on the environment and may vary. These insects are characterized by green, yellow or pink colors, as well as various shades of brown.

• Phyllocrania paradoxa

Lives in rather arid regions of Africa, located south of the Sahara Desert, as well as on the island of Madagascar, where it lives in the branches of shrubs and trees. Due to the peculiar shape of the body, reminiscent of a plant leaf, he easily manages to hide from natural enemies and successfully hunt small insects. This disguise is provided by special outgrowths on the body and head of the praying mantis. Moreover, the processes on the head of the male are rather curved and slightly thinner than those of females. Imagoes of this species are rather small in size. Females grow up to a maximum of 5 cm, males are smaller. Protective color varies depending on air humidity and temperature. If the air temperature is low and the humidity is high, the insects are green or gray-green in color. When humidity levels drop and temperatures rise, praying mantises turn brown or dark brown.

• metallyticus splendidus

Lives in India, Malaysia, Sumatra and other countries South-East Asia. Hunts prey in the branches of trees or shrubs, as well as under tree bark. Sexually mature male praying mantis can reach a length of about 2 cm. Females are slightly larger and grow up to 3 cm in length. The body of these insects is slightly flattened in the direction from the back to the abdomen. Sexual dimorphism is expressed not only in size, but also in the color of individuals. Males are characterized by blue-green shades with a pronounced metallic overflow. blue color. In females, the body is painted in green tones with bronze shiny elytra.

• Ameles spallanziania

Widely distributed in Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, Italy, San Marino, Greece. The habitat of this species also includes Cyprus, Malta and other countries. Southern Europe and North Africa. The sizes of these insects are rather modest, and the length of males rarely exceeds 1 cm, and females can reach a length of 3 cm. You can also distinguish a male from a female by the presence of wings. If in males they are well developed and allow him to make rather long flights, then in females this organ is reduced, so they are deprived of the ability to move through the air. The eyes of the praying mantis are conical in shape. The color of insects is changeable and can vary from bright shades of green to brown and gray-brown. Unlike other species, these mantises have a short but strong hind pair of limbs.

• Blepharopsis mendica , which also has the unofficial name thistle mantis

It is found in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen and other countries of North Africa and southwestern Asia. These insects live in desert as well as mountainous regions. Males are slightly smaller in size than females, which can reach a length of 5.2-6.1 cm. In addition, the antennae of males have a comb structure. hallmark species is also a characteristic outgrowth on the top of the head. On the lateral surface of the thigh and lower leg there are many spikes different size. The color of individuals can be greenish or brownish with numerous white spots that merge into bizarre patterns.

• Rhombodera basalis

Dwells in tropical zone Malaysia, Thailand and India. Adult females can grow up to 8-9 cm in length, males are slightly smaller. A characteristic feature of the praying mantis is a slightly enlarged pronotum, resembling a rhombus in shape. The body and elytra of the insect are painted in turquoise-green colors with a blue tint. The hind pair of membranous wings are partly painted in bright pink tones.

• Malaysian leaf mantis ( Deroplatys dessicata)

It is widely distributed both in the tropical forests of Malaysia or Indonesia, and in wet thickets in Sumatra and Borneo. Females of the Malaysian leaf-shaped praying mantis are much larger than males. Their length can reach 15 cm, while males grow up to a maximum of 6 cm. This species has good camouflage abilities due to the special shape of the head and body, which give it a resemblance to withered foliage. Therefore, the color of the insect has a rather narrow color palette, which includes all shades of brown.

• Deroplatys lobata

It lives in the humid forests of Malaysia, as well as in tropical thickets on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It prefers to hunt in the foliage of trees or small shrubs, as well as in their twisted roots. In appearance, these insects strongly resemble withered leaves, which serves them not only as an excellent disguise that protects against enemies, but also helps them to hide and wait for prey. The coloration of the body and legs is monochromatic and may be different shades gray or brown. Adult females grow up to 8 cm in length, while males barely reach 5 cm in size. Unlike females, males have developed wings, so they can fly, and females have lost this ability due to reduced wings.

• Aethalochroa insignis

Lives in India. This is a very large insect, the length of which is 15-20 cm, including antennae. The excellent camouflage of the praying mantis makes it look like a dry blade of grass.

Well, first of all, why "praying mantis"? The name is rather strange, to be sure. The name of the insect was not invented by anyone, but by Carl Linnaeus himself, the founder of the entire biological table, a great mind. So, when he finally noticed the praying mantis, he exclaimed: “Tja, det ser ut som på mantis, för fan!”, Which in Swedish means “Well, it looks like a praying mantis, fuck!”.

If you look at the praying mantis, you can really see that the pose of this insect is similar to the pose of a praying person. That is why Linnaeus gave the name Mantis religiosa or "religious priest", in our opinion.

As for the official judgments about the praying mantis, they are as follows. Praying mantises are not just a type of insect, but a whole suborder, with many species. The length of the praying mantis is about 5 cm. In American films, praying mantises sometimes reach five meters in length.

The color of the praying mantis varies from green to brown. The praying mantis has wings, but he rarely uses them, I'll tell you why later. Females, for example, use wings only in exceptional cases. Up to a certain point, scientists even believed that the wings of the female were necessary only for intimidation. Then, after observing, they nevertheless realized that the female can fly. True, they still do not understand why praying mantises fly.

Well, not so much later. Actually, I wanted to reveal all the praying mantis cards at the end, but I can't wait to tell you about the origin of the praying mantis now. Official scientific judgments about the origin of the praying mantis are extremely uninteresting. All the same nonsense: the origin of life in water, the first amphibians, arthropods, insects, modifications that led to the development of the praying mantis, blah, blah, blah.

There is also an unofficial version of the origin. It is so obvious that even a child will agree with it, unlike inert scientists. To truly understand the praying mantis, it is enough to look into the face of the praying mantis for a couple of minutes.

Here, watch two minutes, try to understand.

See? I am sure that you also understood the whole truth, namely that the praying mantis is a creature of unearthly origin. It only looks like an insect, but if you look at it more closely, then a version of an alien origin immediately comes to mind.

Do not rush to take the skeptical side of scientists, let's look at some facts together.

Again, let's take color. I already said that it varies, but I didn't say how much. It varies so much that it is impossible to say for sure what color the praying mantis is. Of course, we are used to thinking that the praying mantis is green. This is true, but the praying mantis is only green when it sees in the leaves. Since scientists, in their own ignorance, continue to look for praying mantises only on leaves, they do not even know about the ability of the praying mantis to choose any color they like.

How about this coloring?

Look around you and remember that praying mantises are everywhere. They camouflage themselves so that we can't see them, but that doesn't mean they're not there, right? Look carefully, perhaps the praying mantis hid among your office papers or sits right on your brand new iPhone. Or maybe he hid in a room flower.

Don't forget to check out the shed.

Another fact that is known to many. No, I can't talk about him calmly. The fact is that after sex, the female eats her partner. Do you think this is normal? Imagine a herd of cows. They graze, peacefully eat grass. Then comes the young bull, moo-moo, all that. Here he climbs his love, here is sex. And then! The cow turns around and eats the whole bull! One, one, and done. And then continues to peacefully eat grass.

If that's not enough for you, then I'll continue. Not only do females eat males after sex. This can be understood: vitamins, nutrients necessary for the development of a pilgrim... But how to understand the fact that before sex, the female bites off the head of the male? Before sex, not after. Imagine a herd of cows. However, it is not necessary, you have no idea. A bull without a head on a cow ... True, you should not even think about it.

In fact, the female does not always bite off the head and does not always eat the male. That is, it is an optional condition. And this only adds new questions like "What's the point then?!". Scientists hush up these questions, while agreeing that in terrestrial nature this is an exceptional case.

This act of cannibalism inspired not only me. For example, one Frenchman Marcel Rolland wrote about it this way:
“I will tell more below how the praying mantis devours its victims, but I must say that this drama, played out in the mysterious, outwardly serene canopy of the hedge, was for me the first meeting with the Inexorable. Thus I came to know the terrible law of power to which the world obeys.

There he said a lot more, one might even say that the praying mantis shook his psyche.

Scholars differ so widely in their assessments of this act that they sometimes go too far in their reasoning. So one of the scientists proved the thesis that the very fact of biting and biting off is not so new in nature. Even people can find analogies. In short, I wrote all these words just to quote the words of this scientist:

Myths and folklore do not remain in debt: their data confirm the material of individual imagination. First of all, in the North Asian and North American regions, myths are widespread about women with a toothy vagina who kill, by cutting off the penis, those who dare to have sexual intercourse with them.

Friends, I will take a short break, and then I will continue. Devouring praying mantis females do not let me just pick up and continue my story.

Of course, there will be skeptics who will say “oh well! Common insect! But not everything is so simple. Remember the Kung Fu Panda cartoon? So, among the kungfu masters there, along with the tiger and the monkey, there was a praying mantis. An unheard-of honor for a small insect, don't you think?

The fact is that the Chinese were among the first to understand that something was wrong with the praying mantis. Just in case, they began to extol him. They not only drew the praying mantis, which is not so strange, especially for the Chinese, they came up with a whole style of martial art - the praying mantis style. Not even a style, but a whole direction of styles, including: "Plum Blossom Praying Mantis", "Seven-Star Praying Mantis", "Six Coordination Praying Mantis Box" and other equally funny names.

We must pay tribute to the Chinese, who understood the true nature of the praying mantis.

Praying mantises have wings, but they rarely use them. They do not need them for hunting, praying mantises have other methods of this hunt. They also do not use flight for defense, as they are well camouflaged. Thus, wings are not needed for daily activities. It can be assumed that wings are necessary for migration, but nothing is known about flocks of flying praying mantises.

Perhaps the clue to this fact lies in one of the songs:

I read in one book
That when it gets bad
And an ice ax and a saw will rise above the world
They're off the branch
And they will take us with you
Under tight wings.

Why do praying mantises have such a strong influence on people's consciousness. And they really have a strong influence, and all over the world. I have already said about the Chinese with their praying mantis style. Other peoples also had special ideas about this insect.

So, in Africa, there is still a cult of the praying mantis, who is considered the god and founder of the worlds. In Europe, they also turned to him Special attention. The relation to the praying mantis is ambiguous, in some cultures it is extolled, in others it is considered a demonic creature.

Perhaps the praying mantis earned such attention with his ability to look. The praying mantis is perhaps the only insect that has the ability to move its head in the direction of gaze. That is, unlike other insects, he not only sees, but also looks.

Generally speaking, the number of beliefs and myths associated with the praying mantis is amazing.

Another interesting fact. The praying mantis perfectly manages without a head, it can even have sex. But that is not all. Not only can he walk and balance without his head, but without his head he can pretend to be dead. That is, being dead, he can pretend to be dead.

This incredible feature, as well as the ability to perfectly change their appearance, prompted one African tribe to the creation of the myth of how the praying mantis turned into a dead antelope. The hunters found it and prepared to cut it with stone knives. But even then the praying mantis remained motionless. Then, they began to cut off pieces from the antelope. And only after that, the antelope again turned into a praying mantis. It was an elder pilgrim, he collected all his cut off parts, attached them to himself and began to run with his paws up (well, you know how he can do it), grab and eat children.

Such is the mythical African horror.

Why is the praying mantis so called?

The praying mantis family includes about 800 varieties. They have long and narrow bodies, six legs each, brown or green wings up to 5 cm long. But why is this insect called somewhat unusual - a praying mantis?

The praying mantis got its name because of the structure of the body, habits and, of course, the associative connections of people. Very often it can be seen in a motionless pose, with the front, largest legs raised up. He stands like that for hours, folding them, as if praying. The structure of the forelimbs of the praying mantis vaguely resembles human hands, bent at the elbows. Rubbing them and shaking their head at the same time, the praying mantis resembles a praying person. Hence the name "praying mantis", that is, he prays to God. Even the great Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus gave this insect a name associated with religion - Mantis religiosa, that is, "religious soothsayer (prophet)".

Despite such a benevolent name, praying mantises are considered one of the most cruel and bloodthirsty insects. The praying mantis folds its legs in this way, not for prayer, but for hunting. As soon as some insect appears nearby, the praying mantis throws its folded legs forward with lightning speed and grabs the victim. Sharp notches located on the inside of the front legs help to keep her praying mantis.

Praying mantises jump on four hind legs and can fly from place to place. Moreover, they are the only insects that can turn their heads to the sides and back and even look over their shoulders. So it is difficult for the victim to dodge them, they will notice her anyway. Praying mantises catch prey and, holding it with their paws, slowly savor it.

This insect has long been of interest to scientists and the fear of all people who have heard of it. Praying mantises are popularly called "soothsayers" and "mule killers". The first name apparently comes from the suggestive “praying” posture, and the second comes from the belief that the saliva of the praying mantis can poison the mule.