The praying mantis flies or not. Mantis: where does this amazing predator of the insect world live in Russia? Habitat of praying mantises

Type of: Arthropod

Class: Insects

Detachment: Cockroaches

Suborder: Mantis

Family: Real praying mantises

Subfamily: Mantinae

Tribe: Mantini

Genus: praying mantis

View: Common Praying Mantis (Mantisreligiosa)

Description of the species

The scientific name of the species in Latin is Mantisreligiosa. The word mantis is translated "priest", "prophet", religiosa - "religious". Carl Linnaeus chose the name not by chance, waiting for prey, the common praying mantis or religious praying mantis folds its legs into the groove of the thighs. His posture resembles a man frozen in prayer.

The common praying mantis (Mantisreligiosa) belongs to the order Praying Mantis, which includes 2800 species. The body of the insect is narrow and elongated. Males grow up to 43-52 mm, females are much larger - 50-75 mm. The anatomical feature of praying mantises is the structure of the forelimbs. Grasping legs with spiked elongated femora and shins are designed to hold prey. The thigh and lower leg in a ligament function on the principle of scissors. On the inside of the coxae of the forelimbs there is a dark spot with a white mark in the middle.

Despite the fact that females are larger than males, males have longer antennae and larger eyes.

The head is triangular, movable, the insect is able to look back. On the sides are large, convex compound eyes. In European praying mantises, they have a black pupil. On the forehead there are long filiform antennae and three simple eyes. oral apparatus gnawing type directed downward. The common praying mantis has two pairs of well-developed wings. Light males and young females are able to fly over considerable distances.

The front wings are narrow and leathery, they replace the elytra. The hind wings are wide, in a calm state they are folded on the back like a fan. The pronotum widens in the upper part, but never covers the head. The abdomen is elongated, soft, consists of 10 segments. On the last segment are appendages - cerci. There are 10 pairs of spiracles on the sides of the body.

Color and camouflage

Color type common praying mantis- patronizing. Body color is green (in 80% of cases), yellow, light or dark brown. camouflage coloring allows you to blend in with the environment. When the insect is motionless, it completely mimics the foliage or twig. Camouflage has two functions: it allows you to hunt from an ambush and hide from enemies.

Some praying mantises have stunningly complex and effective camouflage patterns that rival any other animal. Some are able to blend in so well with the trees and leaves that it is almost impossible to notice them. They even sway like leaves and twigs swayed by a light breeze. Some of the most fantastic camouflage patterns are those of the violin mantis from India and orchid mantis from Malaysia. They are lilac-violet or hot pink in color with just the right shade of green and strategically placed dark areas, and can flex their belly to replicate part of the flower. Even specialists can mistake them for a flower.

When attacked by an enemy, the praying mantis spreads its wings to increase in size. It sways from side to side and raises its front legs and the edge of its abdomen menacingly. All actions are aimed at scaring off the aggressor. If the enemy is too large, the mantis flies away.

Spreading

Widely distributed in the southern regions of Europe, going north to 54 ° north latitude; Front and Central Asia, Kazakhstan, North Africa, in the south of the African continent comes to the Transvaal and the Cape (South Africa). Thanks to man, it went far beyond its range, as it was brought by merchant ships to North America and Australia. In Russia, it is distributed in the European part (south of 50 - 54 ° N), in the Caucasus, in steppe zone southern Urals, in the south of Siberia and the Far East.

Types of praying mantis

In total there are more than 2000 species of praying mantis.

Below is a description of several varieties:

• Common praying mantis (lat. Mantis religiosa) 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, from the southern regions to the Primorsky Territory. Introduced populations have been noted in Australia and North America. 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) (lat. Tenodera aridifolia, Tenodera sinensis) is 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.

• Mantis Creobroter 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 different widths run throughout the body, head and legs light brown. The elytra and pronotum are olive green.

• Mantis 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.

• Mantis 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.

• Orchid praying mantis (lat. Hymenopus coronatus) common in tropical forests India, Malaysia and Indonesia. This insect is considered one of the most beautiful representatives detachment. It got its name for its resemblance to orchid flowers, on which it hides in anticipation of its victim. A sexually mature female 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.

• Mantis Idolomantisdiabolica, which is also called Devil's flower or devil flower, lives in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and other countries of 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.

• Eastern heterochaeta (lat. Heterochaeta orientalis), which also has the unofficial name thorny mantis, lives 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 lower legs of the forelimbs, but also along top edges head shaped like a triangle. This gives the impression that the eyes of the insect are wrapped around these spines.

• Mantis 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. 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 and various shades of brown.

• Praying Mantis Phyllocraniaparadoxa 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, resembling a leaf of a plant, it 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.

• Praying Mantis Metallyticussplendidus lives in India, Malaysia, Sumatra and other countries of Southeast 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.

• Mantis Amelesspallanziania 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 of 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.

• Mantis Blepharopsismendica, which also has the unofficial name thistle mantis, found in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen and other countries in 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.

• Mantis Rhombodera basalis lives in the tropical zone of 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.

• Sarawak Mantis / Hestiasula sarawaka. The Saravar praying mantis, which lives on the island of Kalimantan, in addition to a frightening protective posture, makes specific sounds. In this praying mantis, all parts of the body visible from above at rest are gray or brown in color. When irritated, the insect spreads its front legs and moves both pairs of wings aside.

• Malaysian leaf-shaped mantis (lat. Deroplatys dessicata) 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.

• Mantis Deroplatys lobata 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.

• Mantis 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.

Lifestyle

The praying mantis lives and hunts like a typical ambush. The predator freezes until the prey is within reach. It grabs prey with its front legs and starts eating from the head. Males are careful in choosing objects of hunting, they attack flies, locusts and other small insects. Large females often attack prey almost equal in size to them. Aggressive individuals attack lizards, birds, frogs. They jump on the reptile's back and bite on the head. The fight lasts for several minutes, in the process the hunter can become a victim. With a successful outcome, prey is eaten within 2-3 hours. The female remains full up to 4-5 days.

You can meet Mantisreligiosa in the forest, steppe forbs, in the meadow. Insects do not avoid even large cities, where they have adapted to live in grass, parks and gardens. Favorite habitats of the common praying mantis tall trees and shrub. insects prefer sedentary life. They do not leave their familiar territory, they move between tiers. For movement, four limbs are used, less often wings.

With enough food, they spend their entire lives on one plant. Insects have excellent eyesight, they catch the slightest movement in environment. Camouflage coloration allows you to quietly approach the prey. Hunting takes place during the daytime. All soft tissues are eaten from the prey, leaving chitinous legs and wings. How long an ordinary praying mantis lives depends on the amount of food and sex. The age of females is longer, on average, representatives of the species in natural conditions live 2-3 months. In captivity, the life expectancy of insects increases several times and is 12-13 months.

Food

Praying mantises are predatory insects. They catch their victims with strong front legs covered with sharp spikes. The praying mantis, waiting for prey with "humbly" folded front legs, slightly resembles a praying person - hence the name of insects. Praying mantis females are larger, more voracious and more aggressive than males. Males feed mainly on small insects, and huge females often attack even such relatively large animals as lizards, frogs and birds.

reproduction

People have repeatedly observed how during or after mating they kill and eat their partners. In fact, in most cases, mating of insects occurs normally. And if the female eats the male, she does it “out of forgetfulness”, mistaking him for a victim who turned up by the way. The fact is that when the female develops eggs, her body requires additional amounts of protein and at this time she becomes especially voracious.

Before mating, the male praying mantis performs an intricate dance in front of the female and sends her an odorous signal, releasing special substances into the air. This helps him to at least somehow secure his life: otherwise, the female would probably take him for a tasty prey.

After mating, the female praying mantis lays several dozen eggs. But before that, she builds for them special "bags" of foamy protein material - ootheca. Foamy liquid is produced by special glands in the abdomen of the insect. First, the female attaches a lump of foam to a tree branch. While the foam is moist and soft, she arranges several small chambers (recesses) in it and lays one egg in each chamber. After some time, the foam hardens in air and turns into a durable material resembling polystyrene. Ooteks protect eggs from adverse external influences: they withstand negative temperatures and are not destroyed by pesticides.

The praying mantis larvae (nymphs) hatched from the eggs get out of the ootheca through a single hole at its top. Praying mantis larvae are very similar to adult insects, but lack wings. The nymphs of some praying mantises live in nests and disguise themselves as ants.

Mantid Enemies

When attacked by an enemy (snake, bird, bat or chameleon) or meeting with a rival relative, 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.

praying mantis and man

For example, it is widely believed that praying mantises only kill "harmful" insects, but this is not true. Praying mantises are equally eager to feast on, for example, honey bees and garden pests.

There are about 1,800 species of praying mantis. Two species are widespread in the United States - the introduced Chinese mantis, 8–13 cm long, and the native Carolina mantis, reaching 5 cm in length. Scientists disagree on how to classify insects of the family Mantidae. Some group them with other insects in a detachment Dictyoptera. Others put them in a separate unit - Mantodea.

Evolutionists claim that praying mantises evolved from the same ancestor as cockroaches, but this is based on faith, not observable and verifiable evidence.

After the obligatory tribute to evolution is paid, most scientists admire the marvelous design of the praying mantis. For example, in reference to the praying mantis's lightning-fast speed and strong front leg muscles, researchers use words such as "superbly equipped", "complex set", and that "their front legs are wonderfully constructed".

In the US, they are used to a limited extent in orchards for growing organic fruits. In general, the condition of this group of insects is safe. Species such as spotted iris, striped empusa and short-winged bolivaria are listed in the regional Red Books.

Keeping praying mantises at home

Terrarium

It would be a very exotic and unusual act to have a pet praying mantis, right? 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 heat-loving insects, so the optimal temperature for them 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. Crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, flies are perfect. 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.

Mantis- an insect conspicuous, well known to the inhabitants southern regions Russia. True, until recently, meet him in Tambov region was practically impossible. But time goes by, the climate gets warmer, and now last years there are more and more praying mantises. Some citizens speak with pathos about "Invasion of praying mantises on Tambov" and remember about the Egyptian executions, they say, these are harbingers.

I will say right away that personally I have never been lucky enough to see a praying mantis in the Tambov region. All my meetings with this insect took place either in the Voronezh region, or in Krasnodar Territory. What do they write on the Internet about the distribution area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe common praying mantis?

Wikipedia says that the praying mantis is found throughout Central and Southern Europe south of the 55th parallel, i.e. somewhere Vladimir region. However, another source (reptiliy.net) says that the praying mantis is rare along the northern border of the range, in particular, even in the regions of Kyiv and Kharkov, the authors observed it 1-4 times a year.

I believe that these data are already outdated, the distribution area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe common mantis is shifting north. In particular, the Voronezh region, where the praying mantis is not at all uncommon, is located to the north of these cities. However, perhaps praying mantises simply do not favor Ukraine?

Friends! This is not just advertising, but mine, personal request. Please enter into ZooBot group in VK. This is pleasant for me and useful for you: there will be a lot that will not get on the site in the form of articles.

Mantis: classification

According to Wikipedia:

• Type of: arthropods
• Class: Insects
• Squad: cockroaches
• Suborder: praying mantis
• Family: real praying mantises
• Subfamily: Mantinae
• Tribe: Mantini
• Genus: praying mantises
• View: common praying mantis(Mantisreligiosa)

Common praying mantis: photo and description

In my opinion, the above photos give a fairly clear idea of ​​​​the appearance of the praying mantis. The green praying mantis was photographed in the Voronezh region in Divnogorye, the yellow ones - on the Taman Peninsula. Most likely, they are all ordinary praying mantises, only of different colors.

home distinguishing feature praying mantis: well developed prehensile forepaws. In general, their size and spikes eloquently tell us that if such a person has already grabbed someone comparable in size, then there is no chance of freeing himself.

The praying mantis is one of the few insects that can turn its head and even look behind itself. And, by the way, pay attention, he has some kind of surprisingly meaningful look (at least for an insect).

The lifestyle of the common praying mantis

The praying mantis tends to lead a sedentary lifestyle. With sufficient nutrition, he can spend his whole life on one plant and even on one branch. If necessary, praying mantises can fly, but they are not very flyers, especially from females.

Most of the time, the praying mantis “sits” in ambush: it stands motionless, pretending to be a twig and waiting for a suitable victim to appear at a distance of an outstretched claw. Moreover, very large insects, in some cases, exceeding it in size, can also become a victim of the praying mantis.

Sexual behavior and reproduction of praying mantises

Praying mantises (more precisely, their females), along with some spiders, are the darlings of feminists. The idea of ​​biting off a male's head during copulation seems to be incredibly exciting to many. This is much more interesting than carefully braiding a cordial friend with cobwebs and quietly sucking, as some females do Homo sapiens.

Somewhat disappointing. According to information from reptilian.net, eating a male is not an indispensable attribute of a romantic meeting of a pair of praying mantises. If everything goes well: the female is full and the male is careful, then he has every chance to leave alive.

Wikipedia, on the other hand, tells us on behalf of some scientists that, for physiological reasons, the ejaculation of the male praying mantis cannot occur while he has a head. (no, well, how it looks like a person, just think!). Therefore, in fact, the pairing does not end, but begins with biting off the head. I am inclined to consider this statement either a duck, or applicable only to some certain types praying mantises (and their diversity is very large).

The female lays her eggs in a so-called ootheca(emphasis on "e"). This is a method of oviposition practiced by many cockroaches, in which the laid eggs are glued together into a single mass by a protein congealing substance secreted by the female. As a result, a dense container is formed that can survive a variety of external shocks. Similar ootheca can often be seen in female cockroaches.

The female praying mantis attaches the ootheca to the stems of plants.

Praying mantises, common in places where it is winter, to start the process of pecking eggs need to be cooled down(winter diapause). In this regard, in order to make the little pilgrims hatch, the ootheca must be placed in the refrigerator for a while.

praying mantis and man

For human and agricultural praying mantis harmless.

Attempts have been made to use praying mantises as a biological pest control method, however, although praying mantises have successfully coped with this task, they have also devoured everyone they could reach without asking which of them is useful and which is harmful.

Mantis- quite an interesting pet, which can be kept in a terrarium without any problems. The life span of the common praying mantis is about two months. At proper feeding this period can be doubled.

Common praying mantis: video

And in conclusion, a short video about the praying mantis, filmed in the Krasnodar Territory:

What do you think: who will be discussed in this story? About an insect called the praying mantis. Why was this six-legged so called, and what is the praying mantis insect - let's try to figure it out ...

Praying mantises are included in the cockroach order, they form a species consisting of approximately 3 thousand species. The insect got its name because of the manner in which the front legs are folded in a special way, which makes it look like a praying person.

Appearance of the praying mantis

- large insects growing up to 11 centimeters in length.

This insect can have a different color - the color of the praying mantis is fully consistent with its habitat, it can match the color of leaves, grass and stones.

In a stationary state, the praying mantis is very difficult to detect. The predator moves slowly, but if he is in danger, he becomes swift. After he is at a safe distance, he freezes.

The wings of these insects are well developed, so they fly well, but only males use this method of movement, and they fly at night, and during the day they can, occasionally, flit from one branch to another.

The head of the mantis has a triangular shape, while it is quite mobile. This insect has well-developed eyes, so it sees perfectly. The predator monitors the situation and reacts with lightning speed to any moving object. He begins to approach the victim, and then grabs it with his strong limbs. After that, it remains only to slowly eat the prey.

Habitat of praying mantises

These insects are common in parts of the world such as: Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and America.

Mantis lifestyle and diet

Praying mantises are predators, their main food is classmates, i.e. - other insects. The largest individuals can attack, and even birds. The predator eats its prey slowly, the feeding process lasts about 3 hours, and food is digested for a week.

Praying mantises hunt small insects from ambush. Due to the protective coloration, the predator is very difficult to notice. He just waits for some insect to crawl past him and then grabs him. And praying mantises pursue large victims when they catch up, jump on their backs, grab their heads, and slowly begin to eat.

The praying mantis, despite the "pious" name, is a real predator.

Praying mantises only react to moving targets and are not interested in stationary objects. This predator is incredibly voracious. An adult praying mantis eats up to 7 cockroaches 1 cm in size at a time. It takes 30 minutes to eat each victim. First, the insect eats soft tissues, and then proceeds to hard ones. From the cockroach, the praying mantis leaves only stubs of limbs and wings. Softer insects can be eaten whole by the praying mantis.

As a rule, the insect chooses a sedentary lifestyle, if there is enough food, then the praying mantis can live on one tree throughout its life. Praying mantises are most often located on the branches of trees and shrubs, but can also freeze in the grass or right on the ground.

Praying mantises are very prolific creatures.

Mantis breeding

These insects breed at the end of summer. In our country, common praying mantises mate in August - September. In 50% of cases, during mating, the female eats the male. Females are much larger than males, they need protein, so males are part of the diet for them.

The female praying mantis lays 100-300 eggs. She glues the eggs with a special adhesive that hardens and forms a capsule. These capsules are called ootheca. The capsule has a solid structure, it sticks to plants or stones and reliably protects the egg from external factors. Inside the capsule is supported optimum temperature and humidity. In the ooteca, eggs do not die even when the temperature drops to -18 degrees.

The protective "stand" of the insect gave it its name - the paws are folded like those of a prayer.

In temperate climates, the eggs overwinter, and in warmer areas the incubation period lasts a month, after which the larvae hatch from the eggs. The larvae have small spikes on their surface, thanks to which they crawl out of the capsule. In freedom, the larvae molt. After shedding their skin, they take on the resemblance to adults, but only without wings. The larvae are very mobile, they have a protective color.

In most regions, the larvae hatch in April-May. For 2.5 months they have to shed 5 times, only after that they turn into adult insects. The puberty process takes 2 weeks, and then the males look for females to mate with. The life expectancy of praying mantises is 2 months. Males die first, after mating they stop looking for prey, become lethargic and die. Males live to the maximum until September, and females - until October.

These are large predatory insects belonging to the Bogomolov order. A characteristic feature of praying mantises is the presence of long front legs, equipped with spikes that serve to obtain food. People breed these insects in terrariums.

Scientists observe their behavior and study their habits, since it is very difficult to track down a mantis in nature, because of its camouflage color. Most often, the skin of the praying mantis has a green or brown color and it is almost invisible in the grass. The insect is able to freeze and sit still on its prey, in connection with this, observations of praying mantises are much more complicated.

Appearance

Praying mantises are large insects, males are 42 to 52 mm larger than females, and reach 48-75 mm. On the paws of the insect there are adaptations in the form of thorns to hold prey.

Outwardly, it is very difficult to confuse an ordinary praying mantis with other insects.

• Head has a triangular shape, large eyes are located on the sides, which often have the same color as the color of the body. On the head, there are two long whiskers.
• Body the insect is oblong, has wings for flying. However, it prefers to fly only at night, during the day the praying mantis only occasionally uses its wings for flights.
• Has very powerful jaws, which can gnaw not only the bodies of other insects, but also bite off meat and break the chitinous shell of beetles.
• Coloring it can be different, but most often there are green and brown insects.

Regarding coloration, praying mantises have a large number of colors in their arsenal. The color is very variable depending on the habitat, ranging from green or yellow to dark brown or brown. Praying mantises, as natural hunters, adapt to the environment, and therefore their color will be the same as the color of the grass and plants surrounding them. Old individuals of these insects turn pale and lose their color. In the body of old individuals, amino acids that are important for maintaining life cease to be produced. By artificially adding food containing the missing amino acids to the insect's diet, the praying mantis can live twice as long as it does in nature.

reproduction

It is difficult for males to have a romantic relationship with a female praying mantis. Since the females are much larger and stronger than the groom. They are aggressive towards males, especially during periods when the female is not ready to mate.

During the mating season, the male, noticing the female, begins to sneak up on her, more carefully than on the prey. Sometimes it is such a slow action that the human eye is not able to catch the movements. The groom tries to sneak up on his bride exclusively from behind so that she does not attack. If the female turns to him, he freezes for a long time, while swaying a little. Biologists speculate that these wiggles are fused with the female's arousal and switch from her hunting instincts to her reproductive instincts.

This movement is a kind of courtship, and can last up to 6 hours. Breeding occurs in late summer, from mid-August to early September. Under the influence of sex hormones, insects become aggressive, and cases of cannibalism often occur at this time. The female, as a larger representative of praying mantises, being in a hungry state, is capable of eating her fellows. However, the male has to be content with insects. Known fact, that after mating, females often eat the male, but this is far from a mandatory rule. Eating your partner occurs in about half of all cases, and during the mating process itself is extremely rare.

Praying mantis offspring

The common praying mantis lays its eggs in edema. This form of masonry is characteristic of maluska, and cockroaches. The clutch is a horizontal row of eggs. The female fills the eggs with a foamy liquid. Solidifying, the liquid forms a protective capsule. One clutch usually contains up to 300 eggs. The capsule is quite hard, and is able to easily stick to the stems of the plant. Inside the shell, good humidity and temperature are maintained. Eggs in such conditions are able to survive even frosts, up to minus 18 degrees. The incubation period in warm areas inhabited by common praying mantises, develop to the state of a larva within 30 days. In cold areas of residence, eggs are left for the winter.

The larvae are formed after 30 days incubation period. On the surface of the larvae are small spikes that help get out from under the shell. Once a larva emerges, it molts over time. Becomes similar to an adult after shedding the skin. Puberty, an ordinary praying mantis occurs after two weeks. Then, the males start looking for females to mate with. Praying mantises live in natural conditions for up to two months, in an artificial habitat they can live up to four. Males die first, because after mating, they stop looking for prey, become very lethargic and soon die.

Diet and lifestyle

The praying mantis diet includes insects..

Large females are able to attack not only small insects, but also large spiders, lizards, frogs, even small birds can eat. An ordinary praying mantis eats its prey slowly, the meal process can last up to 3 hours. The absorbed food is digested by the insect body for a week.

By the end of summer, by the breeding season, males begin to actively use their wings to search for females. Bumping into each other, they arrange fights. The losing individual not only runs the risk of dying, but also becoming food for the winner.

The habitat is usually trees, shrubs, and grass. This is a very voracious predator, an adult praying mantis is able to eat up to 7 cockroaches at a time. However, they are not interested in fixed targets. It eats its prey from soft parts, then goes to hard ones. The jaws of this insect are very strong and are able to gnaw through the thick chitinous shell of various insects. The praying mantis leads a sedentary life, and if he has enough food, he does not leave the tree or shrub on which he has lived all his life.

Mantises are large insects with a narrow elongated body. Born predators and masters of camouflage attack prey from ambush, completely merging with foliage and branches. By exterminating phytophagous insects, they benefit agriculture. Praying mantis is an ordinary typical representative of the praying mantis order, living in Europe. Feature insects - front legs equipped with tools for grasping and holding prey. There are sharp spikes on the thighs and lower legs, which, like a trap, catch an unwary victim. Many people know about the mating cannibalism of praying mantises. This amazing feature was the inspiration for writing scary stories and filming.

Description of the species

The common praying mantis (Mantisreligiosa) belongs to the order Praying Mantis, which includes 2800 species. The body of the insect is narrow and elongated. Males grow up to 43-52 mm, females are much larger - 50-75 mm. The anatomical feature of praying mantises is the structure of the forelimbs. Grasping legs with spiked elongated femora and shins are designed to hold prey. The thigh and lower leg in a ligament function on the principle of scissors. On the inside of the coxae of the forelimbs there is a dark spot with a white mark in the middle.

Interesting fact. Despite the fact that females are larger than males, males have longer antennae and larger eyes.

The head is triangular, movable, the insect is able to look back. On the sides are large, convex compound eyes. In European praying mantises, they have a black pupil. On the forehead there are long filiform antennae and three simple eyes. The mouth apparatus of the gnawing type is directed downwards. The common praying mantis has two pairs of well-developed wings. Light males and young females are able to fly over considerable distances.

The front wings are narrow and leathery, they replace the elytra. The hind wings are wide, in a calm state they are folded on the back like a fan. The pronotum widens in the upper part, but never covers the head. The abdomen is elongated, soft, consists of 10 segments. On the last segment are appendages - cerci. There are 10 pairs of spiracles on the sides of the body.

The color type of the common praying mantis is patronizing. Body color is green (in 80% of cases), yellow, light or dark brown. Camouflage coloring allows you to merge with the environment. When the insect is motionless, it completely mimics the foliage or twig. Camouflage has two functions: it allows you to hunt from an ambush and hide from enemies.

Information. When attacked by an enemy, the praying mantis spreads its wings to increase in size. It sways from side to side and raises its front legs and the edge of its abdomen menacingly. All actions are aimed at scaring off the aggressor. If the enemy is too large, the mantis flies away.

Name history

The scientific name of the species in Latin is Mantisreligiosa. The word mantis is translated "priest", "prophet", religiosa - "religious". Carl Linnaeus chose the name not by chance, waiting for prey, the common praying mantis or religious praying mantis folds its legs into the groove of the thighs. His posture resembles a man frozen in prayer.

Distribution area

The species Mantisreligiosa is thermophilic and cannot be found beyond the 50th parallel. The northern border of distribution in Europe runs along the south of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and France. The common praying mantis is often found in European southern regions, on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea, in Sudan, in the Middle East. Predatory insects were brought to remote parts of the world - New Guinea, USA, partially populated southern Canada. Climate warming contributes to the expansion of the habitat to the north. Imago Mantisreligiosa is recorded in Belarus and Latvia, where it did not live before. In Russia, insects live in large numbers on the Black Sea coast, in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

Lifestyle

The praying mantis lives and hunts like a typical ambush. The predator freezes until the prey is within reach. It grabs prey with its front legs and starts eating from the head. Males are careful in choosing objects of hunting, they attack flies, locusts and other small insects. Large females often attack prey almost equal in size to them. Aggressive individuals attack lizards, birds, frogs. They jump on the reptile's back and bite on the head. The fight lasts for several minutes, in the process the hunter can become a victim. With a successful outcome, prey is eaten within 2-3 hours. The female remains full up to 4-5 days.

You can meet Mantisreligiosa in the forest, steppe forbs, in the meadow. Insects do not avoid even large cities, where they have adapted to live in grass, parks and gardens. The favorite habitats of the common praying mantis are tall trees and shrubs. Insects prefer a sedentary lifestyle. They do not leave their familiar territory, they move between tiers. For movement, four limbs are used, less often wings.

With enough food, they spend their entire lives on one plant. Insects have excellent eyesight, they pick up the slightest movement in the environment. Camouflage coloration allows you to quietly approach the prey. Hunting takes place during the daytime. All soft tissues are eaten from the prey, leaving chitinous legs and wings. How long an ordinary praying mantis lives depends on the amount of food and sex. The age of females is longer, on average, representatives of the species live 2-3 months in natural conditions. In captivity, the life expectancy of insects increases several times and is 12-13 months.

Like any insect, the praying mantis has many natural enemies. It is preyed upon by birds, snakes, small mammals, the bats. The arthropod runs slowly, takes off heavily. His frightening dance with wings spread like a fan scares away only inexperienced young birds. For other large hunters, the praying mantis is easy prey.

Value in nature

The biological significance of the common praying mantis is associated with its lifestyle. He is a predator that exterminates harmful insects. Adults and larvae eat phytophages on trees and shrubs. More than once attempts were made to organize the protection of agricultural land with the help of praying mantises. Large-scale plans to use predators in the role biological weapons against pests have not been successful, but many farmers buy Mantisreligiosa ootheca. They are placed in gardens to safely kill aphids and thrips.

Sexual dimorphism of insects is pronounced in the size of male and female individuals.

The sexual behavior of insects is closely studied by scientists. Relations between partners are divided into two stages:

• preliminary courtship;
• pairing.

In temperate climates, the breeding season is August-September. At the end of the abdomen of males are sensitive organs of smell - cerci. With their help, insects capture the pheromones of females. The process of courtship consists in carefully approaching the object of passion. The male slowly and cautiously moves towards the female, trying to bypass her from behind. When she turns her head, she freezes in place, taking advantage of the fact that praying mantises do not react to motionless figures. Courtship takes several hours, but allows them to stay alive until mating.

Having reached a potential partner, the male jumps on her back. He holds on with his legs, placing them in special grooves on the sides of the female's mesothorax. In this secure position, he begins copulation. The process can take 4-5 hours. In 50% of cases, the male manages to escape. Having run away from the partner to a safe distance, he freezes for a few minutes. It is necessary for rest.

Praying mantises are insects with incomplete transformation. The development of an individual occurs in 3 stages: egg, larva, adult. 10-11 days after fertilization, the female common praying mantis lays eggs. The clutch is 100-300 pieces. A sticky secret is released along with the eggs. After the liquid hardens, an ootheca is formed - a protective capsule in which the masonry is not exposed to external influences. The ootheca is yellow or brown in color and is attached to branches or stones. The eggs remain to overwinter.

Larvae

The offspring of praying mantises appear in the spring. The larvae are born with many spines on the body and two filaments on the abdomen. The spikes help the young to get out of the capsule. The larvae hang on the tail threads, this is how the first molt occurs. Before growing up, they will have to go through 4 more molts. Wingless larvae look like adults. They feed on fruit flies, aphids, thrips.

Cannibalism during mating

During the breeding season, under the influence of sex hormones, the aggressiveness of females increases. The partner is in danger if the female has been starving for 2-3 days. She may attack the male before copulation. This will give the necessary nutrients, moreover, the size of the prey is larger than ordinary insects. The partner runs the risk of dying during mating, the loss of the head does not affect copulation. Eating a male after taking a spermatophore has the same reasons. The female praying mantis provides food for future offspring, increasing the chances of producing a large number of eggs.

Interesting fact. Males choose to mate large plump females, this reduces the risk of being eaten during fertilization.

The domestic praying mantis is an exotic pet that can live at home for about a year. Insects are smart, contact, pretty large sizes. A terrarium is required to accommodate a pet. They come in two types: plastic and glass. The second option is preferable. Air access is provided by a mesh cover. The length of the dwelling should be 3 times the size of the body of the praying mantis.

The heat-loving insect requires a temperature of 22-26°C. You can support it with a special heater or a lamp installed near the container. The recommended humidity is 40-60%. Maintained by daily spraying of the substrate. It is not necessary to put a drinking bowl, there is enough moisture on the walls of the terrarium. The pet is safely picked up, the more contact occurs, the sooner it gets used to the person.

As a substrate, sand or coconut sawdust is poured onto the bottom. Twigs and snags are placed inside, along which the insect will crawl. An important nuance when keeping several common praying mantises is placing them in different containers. This will prevent cannibalism, which is characteristic of the species. Grasshoppers, flies, locusts, crickets, cockroaches serve as food for the predator. Pets are fed every 2-3 days. Depending on the size, 1-3 food insects are given at a time. By launching prey inside the container, you can watch the hunt.

Security measures

Despite the widespread distribution of insects in some regions of Russia, the common praying mantis is listed in the Red Book. Category rare species it is listed in the Chelyabinsk, Voronezh, Kurgan, Belgorod and Lipetsk regions. The number of insects decreased as a result of plowing the land, grass fell, continuous hayfields, and the use of pesticides in the cultivation of fields. In the habitats of praying mantises, economic activity is limited. To protect the species, it is prohibited to plow plots, graze livestock, use pesticides, kill or capture insects. In Germany, the common mantis is listed on the Red List as a declining species. It cannot be caught in nature and kept at home as a pet.