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Thursday 20 April 2017

Praying mantis

The Mantis is a type of insect. They are usually known as praying mantids because of their prayer-like stance.

Over 2,400 species of mantis in about 430 genera are recognized. They are predominantly found in tropical regions, but some live in temperate areas.

In Europe, the name "praying mantis" refers to only a single species, Mantis religiosa.

Praying mantis by Shiva shankar - Taken at karkala, Karnataka, India. Wikipedia

The movement of the Mantis' head is remarkably flexible. It gives nearly 300 degrees of movement in some species. The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head.

The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body. The female initiates mating by ripping the male's head off.

The male praying mantis has an extra "brain" in its rear, which controls the necessary motions for copulation. This means the mantis can continue mating after the female has eaten his head.

Being devoured by his mate improves a male praying mantis' genetic success by increasing the number of eggs laid by his partner.

The Praying Mantis is the only insect known to have 3D vision, although they only see in black and white.

Head of Archimantis latistyla, showing the compound eyes and labrum. By Fir0002 

The praying mantis has only one ear, which is located on the underside of its belly, just forward of its hind legs.

They are the only creature on Earth with a single ear.

The mantis cannot discriminate the direction of sound, nor its frequency.

Their diet usually consists of living insects, including flies and aphids. Larger species have been known to prey on small lizardsbirds, frogs, snakes, and even rodents.

They either camouflage themselves and remain stationary, waiting for prey to approach, or stalk their prey with slow, stealthy movements.

Malaysian orchid mantises are camouflaged, matching the coloration of local orchids. I, Luc Viatour,

The Praying Mantis can detect movement up to 60 feet away.

The Swagap tribe, who belong to the indigenous tribes of Papua New Guinea, worship the praying mantis.

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