Malaysian leaf-shaped mantis (lat. Deroplatys desiccata)

Praying mantises are predatory insects that have received such interesting name for a special "prayer" pose, which is taken in the process of tracking down prey. For a long time they were classified as cockroaches due to the similarity of signs, but over time they were separated into a separate detachment of the Bogomolovs.

External characteristics of praying mantises

There are more than 2 thousand species of praying mantises on the planet, and all of them radically differ from each other in color and lifestyle. How to determine the type of praying mantis? By outward signs representatives of the Bogomolov detachment have many similar characteristics: a small triangular head, very mobile, with well-developed eyes, a narrow body, articular limbs.

The available front wings, equipped with an intricate pattern, are often used by insects for protection; in the event of an approaching danger, they plow them wide, which scares off the enemy. Transparent rear wings are required for flight. Sometimes completely wingless or short-winged specimens are found. How to determine what species mantises belong to?

Insect specificity

The most specific feature of such a unique insect is its coloration, which matches that of individual elements habitats: stones, grass, flowers, leaves of trees. The most common praying mantises are yellow and brown and green in color, which accounts for 80% of their total number. An immobile praying mantis natural environment almost impossible to see. An insect can betray its presence only by movement.

The praying mantis moves slowly, but in case of danger it is able to move very quickly to a safe distance and again freeze in place. Because the favorite posture of such a unique insect is expectant. Like spiders, praying mantises are ambushes, ready to patiently wait for a careless cat for days on end.

Praying mantises lead a solitary lifestyle. Activity is shown to a greater extent during the day, as a potential victim is tracked visually. It is precisely because of the long wait that the vast majority of insects, and some specimens, have a special body shape. For example, species of praying mantis that live in grass are painted in green color and resemble a blade of grass, brown-motley insects look like dry twigs. In the praying mantis Choerododis stalii, tiny spots imitate damage to the leaf plate of the plant. Tropical species of praying mantis, waiting for their prey in flowers, have a curved abdomen and flat lobes on their paws, resembling flower petals.

Particularly impressive is the adaptability to natural colors, which in young age has a white color, as it grows up it becomes pink, completely indistinguishable from a flower.

Mantis: the most common species

The most common are

In Russia, species of such insects are found mostly in the steppe regions, as well as in the south of Siberia, the North Caucasus, Far East, in South Africa, Central Asia and Kazakhstan. The tree mantis of the genus Hierodula and the spotted mantis (Iris polystictica) also live there.

AT southern regions In Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Empusa praying mantis has adapted, characterized by large size (about 6.5 cm in length), a pointed triangular head and a protruding long outgrowth in front.

Preferring open bushy spaces, it is most activated at night. The larvae appear in the summer and immediately switch to feeding on butterflies and fillies. AT southern regions In Russia, a praying mantis from the genus Bolivaria is often found.

By the way, bolivarians, spotted-winged praying mantises and empusas in some places become rare representatives of the animal world due to the destruction of dense herbs during the plowing of steppe lands.

Desert species of praying mantis, whose names are difficult to remember for the average layman, are characterized by their small size and similarity to ants in the process of movement. Rivetins (Rivetina and Armena) are prominent representatives.

Habitat

The praying mantis can live on both upper tiers trees and shrubs, and at the very surface of the earth, in the grass. Thanks to well-developed wings, the insect can fly, and only males rush in flight. If there is enough food, the praying mantis can live on a tree until the end of his days.

Being heat-loving by nature, praying mantises feel most comfortable in the tropical and subtropical zones. Right there, in moist forests, the largest number of varieties of such an insect is found. In a cold climate, predators tend to settle in the warmest regions: upland meadows and steppes.

Nutrition Features

Almost all species of praying mantis feed on insects, representatives of the tropics prefer lizards and frogs. During the day, the praying mantis is able to eat 7 small cockroaches, spending about half an hour chewing each one. In the process of eating, it is consistent: first chews on soft parts, and then moves on to harder ones. The norm of life for them is cannibalism, which sometimes manifests itself at the most inopportune moment.

It is noticed that after mating, it often eats its chosen one. In order not to end up in the stomach of his lady, the partner performs a ritual dance before the act of intercourse, setting the female in a peaceful mood.

Mating of tropical praying mantises is carried out year-round, types of praying mantises temperate zone unite in a single impulse in the autumn period. The female is able to lay up to four hundred eggs several times. The place of masonry chooses any suitable surface: grass stalks, tree branches, sand. The female dips each clutch into a foamy mass, which, when solidified, forms a capsule of gray, brown or sandy color. Egg maturation lasts from 3 weeks to six months. In temperate species, the eggs survive the winter. Praying mantis nymphs differ from adult insects only in the absence of wings; the body shape is exactly the same, as is the voracity. Growing individuals develop very quickly and in the process of growing up they can survive about fifty molts.

Intimidate the enemy

Praying mantises are peaceful insects, but in the face of an approaching danger they become in an unfriendly "hunting" pose. For greater intimidation, they can make sounds: rustle their wings, click their legs. If this did not have any effect on the enemy, they fly away or rush at the enemy and bite him. Moreover, in an attack on the enemy, in an attempt to stab him forward, he puts forward grasping legs. Enemies of praying mantises are chameleons, snakes, birds. Today, praying mantises are becoming more and more popular and in demand in domestic insectariums.

Praying mantises are predatory insects allocated to the Bogomolov detachment of the same name, numbering 2853 species. His unusual name they owe by no means an angelic character, but a special hunting pose in which they fold their front paws in the pose of a praying person.

Devil's flower (Idolomantis diabolica) - This praying mantis gets its name from its sinister appearance.

The sizes of these insects range from 1 to 11 cm. The appearance of praying mantises can be very different, however, common features can be found in all types of these insects. They are characterized by a small, mobile triangular head and a narrow body with long, jointed limbs, giving them a resemblance to grasshoppers or stick insects. But from the point of view of taxonomy, praying mantises have nothing in common with grasshoppers, stick insects can only be considered them. distant relatives, and a truly brotherly bond connects these insects with cockroaches.

Many praying mantises, like this feathery empusa (Empusa pennata), have branched antennae. They can be straight or twisted into a gentle spiral.

Praying mantises are quite thermophilic, therefore greatest variety reached in the tropics and subtropics, only a few species have penetrated into the temperate zone, and in a cold climate they try to inhabit the warmest biotopes: steppes and upland meadows. But in the tropics, praying mantises can be found in humid forests and rocky deserts. These insects are active mainly during daylight hours, since they track their prey visually. Praying mantises never pursue their prey: like spiders, they are typical ambushes, ready to sit in one place all day long, waiting for a careless little cat. In this regard, the vast majority of these insects have developed a protective coloration, and some even have a special body shape. For example, in species that live in dense herbage, the straight body of a green or brown-motley color resembles a blade of grass or a dry stick ...

in species living in tropical forest, it is green with lateral outgrowths and looks like a leaf ...

In Herododis Steel (Choerododis stalii), even tiny spots mimic natural leaf damage.

tropical praying mantises that ambush on flowers have a curved abdomen and flat lobes on their legs to mimic flower petals.

Orchid mantises change color with age: juveniles are white, adults are pink.

The orchid mantis is indistinguishable from the flower on which it lives.

In this parade of camouflage costumes, a rare exception is the bright praying mantis, whose covers are cast with a metallic sheen of all shades of the rainbow.

The difference in color between two brightly colored praying mantises (Metallyticus splendidus) is due to the different angle of light refraction.

Like other insects, praying mantises have wings: more rigid front ones (elytra) and transparent rear ones used for flight. Occasionally there are short-winged or completely wingless species (mostly desert).

The desert mantis (Eremiaphila baueri) is one of the least studied species.

Some praying mantises use wings for protection, in case of danger they suddenly open them wide and thereby scare off a potential enemy. Accordingly, in such insects, the wings have an intricate pattern.

African prickly mantis (Pseudocreobroter occellata).

Mantises, deprived of such useful defense tools, resort to the old, well-established method, namely, in the face of danger, they stand in an aggressive "hunting" pose. If this does not help, the praying mantis flies away or, conversely, rushes at the offender and bites him. Some species can even hiss.

This praying mantis fights to the last, but the forces are too unequal.

Birds, chameleons, snakes are considered enemies of praying mantises. But they themselves are not sewn with a bast. Praying mantises are very voracious and in a few months of life they manage to destroy several thousand insects ranging in size from aphids to grasshoppers, and sometimes even encroach on vertebrate animals. Cannibalism for them is the norm of life, and it sometimes manifests itself at the most unexpected moment. It has long been noted that after mating, a larger female praying mantis often snacks on her chosen one; in exceptional cases, she starts this unseemly occupation even in the process of love pleasures. To reduce the risk of being eaten, the male performs a ritual dance before mating, which helps the female to distinguish the partner from the prey and set her up in a peaceful way.

The praying mantis caught a small gecko.

Tropical praying mantis breed throughout the year, with temperate species mating in autumn. On grass stalks, tree branches, poles, boards (rarely in sand), the female lays from 10 to 400 eggs in several portions. She immerses each masonry in a foamy mass, which, when solidified, forms a capsule - an ootheca. The same capsules are found in cockroaches. Depending on the substrate, ootheca can be sandy, gray or Brown color. Eggs mature in it from 3 weeks to 6 months; in species of the temperate zone, it is the eggs that are the wintering life stage.

Mantis ootheca.

Praying mantises are insects with incomplete transformation, therefore their larvae, called nymphs, are similar in body shape to adults, only wingless. Nymphs are insatiable, therefore they grow quickly, in the process of growing up they manage to molt from 9 to 55 times. In general, the life expectancy of praying mantises does not exceed 1 year.

The nymph of the orchid praying mantis mimics an ant.

People have long paid attention to the warlike nature of these insects, one of the styles of Chinese wushu wrestling is even named after them. Praying mantises are now one of the most popular insects for keeping in home insectariums. In addition, due to their voracity, they are also useful in agriculture. True, along with aphids, flies and grasshoppers, praying mantises can also attack beneficial insects. 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.

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. Russian definition this detachment received due to some similarity of the forelimbs 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 an almost triangular shape and is able to rotate almost around its 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 species affiliation insects are filamentous, feathery or comb-like.

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, though 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 Eastern 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 environment because it is camouflage.

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 area of ​​distribution of praying mantises is quite wide and captures almost all countries of Asia, Southern and Central Europe, as well as some countries of Africa, 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 merchant ships, these insects were introduced and took root in Australia and in 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, from the southern regions to the Primorsky Territory. 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 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

It is a typical inhabitant of the humid forests of India, Vietnam and other countries of South Asia. 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 top pair of wings there are quite interesting drawing, 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 detachment. It got its name for its resemblance to the flowers on which it hides in anticipation of its prey. 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. Distinctive feature of this species are broad forelimbs, a small head and filiform antennae. Basic body color orchid praying mantis white. However, it may vary depending on which flower the insect sits in ambush. Various shades of pink, orange, yellow, lilac or purple can be mixed with the main tone. 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

It 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. 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 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. Such a structure of the organs of vision, in combination 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 and 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, 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. 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

It lives in India, Malaysia, Sumatra and other countries of Southeast Asia. It hunts for 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 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. 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 of different sizes. The color of individuals can be greenish or brownish with numerous white spots that merge into bizarre patterns.

• Rhombodera basalis

It 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. 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 color of the body and legs is monochromatic and can be of different shades of 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.

The Malaysian leaf-shaped mantis is one of the largest representatives among mantises and has not only camouflage coloration, but also unusual shape body, resembling dried leaves.

Despite its name, you can meet it in the tropical forests not only of Malaysia, but also on the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and also in Indonesia.

The females of this species of praying mantis reach a length of 15 centimeters. But even despite its huge size, it is difficult to see it in the rainforest. And all because of the unique shape of the body. The head and body of the praying mantis are very similar to dried leaves, and the paws are poured twigs. Therefore, among the fallen leaves, it is almost impossible to see it.

Females compared to male giantesses, however, this applies to almost any type of praying mantis. The length of the male is only 6 centimeters.

The Malaysian leaf mantis has camouflage coloring, which includes various shades of brown, ranging from gray-brown to dark brown, almost black.

Like all praying mantises, our hero has front legs well adapted for grasping food. He leads a predatory lifestyle and feeds on insects that he can catch on the fly. He gives the greatest preference to flying insects, such as moths.

These insects lead an arboreal lifestyle. Hiding on a branch while hunting, they move smoothly from side to side, imitating the swaying of a leaf under the breeze. When a threat occurs, he freezes, but if this does not work, then the praying mantis begins to fight with his head, like a cobra.

The turn of the fourth species has come, living on the territory of the Volgograd region. In contrast to the considered species, empusa belong to a separate family Empusidae (mantis and bolivaria are representatives of the Mantidae family, and the flower mantis belongs to the Tarachodidae family).
Here is how J.A. Fabre “Among the insects of our countries there are no more strange creature. This is some kind of ghost, a devilish ghost ... The pointed physiognomy of the empusa looks not just cunning: it would be useful to Mephistopheles ”

Empusas are my favorite praying mantises. They have a number of differences from the considered species, they relate not only to appearance, but also to lifestyle. I will dwell on some in more detail.

One of the main differences in the way of life of empousas is the fact that nymphs leave for the winter. In the first three species, ootheca hibernates - eggs filled with foamy protein, which are a capsule that can survive quite extreme conditions eg frost.
Empus nymphs are born already in late July - early August and differ relatively large size. Fabre wrote about the empuz nymphs: "Her larva is the strangest creature, weak, wobbling and such oddly shaped that a person who does not know her will not dare to pick her up .... If you meet him between the bushes, you will see how it sways, shaking its head ... looks at you, as if it understands everything, and turns its head over its shoulder "

Newborn nymph of the pinnate empusa.

The fecundity of empusas is very low for insects, 10-15 nymphs hatch from one ootheca, in total the female is able to lay an average of 2-3 ootheca. For comparison, female common praying mantis lays up to a hundred eggs in each ootheca. However, newborn Mantis nymphs are greatly inferior in size to Empusa nymphs.

In this form, empousas leave for the winter.

With the onset of spring, the nymphs come out of their stupor. They start hunting for small insects.

After a few molts, the rudiments of wings appear.

By mid-June, imago empuz appear. These insects feed almost exclusively on flies and hymenoptera, which lie in wait on flowers. Especially often, empuz can be found under large inflorescences of tansy, eryngium, and muzzle.

The female empusa preys on tansy.

Empusa caught a small fly or a bee on the inflorescence of a mordovnik.

Empusa males differ from females in luxurious feathery antennae.

Apparently, these antennas help in the search for females.

Empousa males can be said to be lucky: female empousas never eat males. Cannibalism is also uncharacteristic for this group of praying mantises, empuses are distinguished by an exceptionally peaceful disposition.

The male hid in a eryngium bush.

But despite their peacefulness, empusa are able to stand up for themselves. In danger, the insect deploys the front pair of limbs, showing red "armpits"

Empusas are good fliers. Once, when I was filming a female praying mantis on a rainy, windy day, she suddenly opened her wings and, without moving, began to wave them. So it turned out to make this frame, which clearly shows the spread wings:

This review ended the praying mantises that I have observed and photographed. I hope that soon my list will be replenished, and species from other regions will be added to the collection of Volgograd praying mantises.