There Are A Few Misunderstandings About The Praying Mantis
There Are A Few Misunderstandings About The Praying Mantis
The praying mantis is likely the most recognizable of all garden insects due to its large size and interesting physique. The praying mantis seems perfectly designed for combat, as it is hard to imagine any other type of insect giving the praying mantis a run for its money. It is easy to miss a praying mantis if it happens to be surrounded by other forms of vegetation. Insects that are preyed upon by praying mantises almost never know what is coming. The praying mantis remains perfectly still while its head follows its prey by turning it to a full one hundred and eighty degrees. The mantis keeps its legs folded under its chin until its foolish prey has moved close enough for the mantis to strike. Once the mantis has its prey in a death-lock, the prey cannot escape the super-strong grip of the mantises massive arms. Once the prey, a grasshopper for example, is killed by the mantises grip, the mantis will eat the cricket like a hot dog initially, but finish off its cricket meal by chewing on the grasshoppers sides, similar to how we eat corn on the cob.
Many people are under the impression that the word “praying” in the name “praying mantis” comes from the mantises tendency to “prey” on different insects. Despite the fact that these two words are spelled differently many people will not be convinced of the truth. In truth the word “praying” comes from the praying mantises stance. The mantis holds its two front legs closely together, as though it is praying to heaven. In fact, the scientific name given to the praying mantis is Mantis religiosa.
The degree of cannibalism among female praying mantises is also commonly exaggerated. In reality, females do not frequently consume males. However, if a female is starved she will not hesitate to eat whatever insect is closest. When males are decapitated during mating, the males will continue mating until fertilization is comple. It is almost never as simple as simply waiting to eat the male mantis post-mating. This would not be the worse way to die though
Do you think that post-mating cannibalism among black widow spiders is also exaggerated?