mantises

Mantises, or praying mantises, are insects in the order Mantodea. They are predatory and highly adapted for ambush hunting, with a specialized pair of raptorial forelegs, a triangular head, large compound eyes, and an elongated neck that gives them a wide range of vision and head movement. Most species camouflage themselves among foliage to surprise their prey.

More than 2,400 described species belong to Mantodea, distributed across many genera and families. They inhabit tropical and temperate regions worldwide, occupying habitats such as forests, grasslands, gardens, and agricultural land. Mantises are generally solitary, territorial hunters that rely on camouflage, speed, and precise strikes to capture prey.

Morphology includes an elongated prothorax that extends the body and a mobile head able to turn 180 degrees. The forelegs are thickened and spined for grasping prey. Some species, such as orchid mantises and flower mantises, mimic flowers to lure pollinators or other small animals.

Life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis. Eggs are deposited in foamy structures called oothecae, which hatch into nymphs that resemble tiny adults and molt several times before reaching maturity. Reproduction can involve sexual cannibalism in some species, though many matings are benign; the male often transfers sperm in a spermatophore, sometimes with a nutrient-rich portion.

Behavior and ecology: Mantises are primarily ambush predators of insects and other small animals. They use stealth and camouflage, often freezing or mimicking their surroundings to wait for prey. They can fly in some species, aiding dispersal and predator avoidance. They may help control pest populations in gardens and crops.

Conservation threats: Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and environmental change threaten mantis populations. While some species are common and widespread, others are rare or poorly known, and regional declines have been reported. They are often studied for their biology and potential benefits in pest control.