Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis - Curious Carnivore

Well known for its unique body form and characteristic pose of upheld front limbs (which recalls somebody at prayer), the Praying Mantis is a carnivorous insect with a fascinating lifestyle. There are an estimated 2000 species around the globe, of which two or three hundred occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

As a group, the mantises (or mantids, as they are collectively known) are immediately recognisable. All species have distinctive triangular heads and wings which fold flat over the abdomen. The head can be rotated with more flexibility than that of any other insect, while the front legs are equipped with hook-like spines on their inner surface, which hold prey securely.

Camouflage is the key for an ambush specialist

All mantids are extremely well camouflaged in colours which blend into their natural habitats. Most species are plain green or brown, but some are ornately coloured in shades of pink and yellow. The typical means of capturing prey is for the mantis to sit patiently in wait until a suitable insect or spider comes within range. Very often, a mantis will station itself close to (or even inside) a flower which attracts pollinators. In many ways, the mantis is an invertebrate equivalent of the chameleon (to which it may itself become prey, if it is not careful!) as it moves forward in a slow swaying motion, before striking out. Prey is secured in a lightning-fast strike, as the mantis lunges forward and seizes its victim with the extended forelegs. The mantis then immobilises the prey with a swift bite to the head. Flies, butterflies, crickets, grasshoppers and bugs are among the typical prey for larger mantids, while smaller species rely on creatures such as aphids, fig-wasps and mosquitoes.

Fatal Attraction

Perhaps the best-known trait of mantids is the female's notorious habit of biting off the head of her mate after, or during, copulation. This extraordinary cannibalistic behaviour has been regularly documented in captive pairs, but it may be stress related and it is thought to be much less common under natural conditions. If the male is indeed killed and consumed by the female which now carries eggs with his genes, he can at least be consoled in the thought that he is providing protein for their healthy development! After mating, the female deposits her eggs within a spongy white case (ootheca) which is typically glued to a grass stalk, the underside of a leaf, or on the bark of a tree. In a remarkable instance of parental care (most unusual among insects and other ‘lower' life forms), the female may remain in the vicinity of her clutch to fend off attacks by parasitic wasps which lay their own eggs into those of the mantis. Depending upon the season, the eggs may hatch within three weeks, or they may lie dormant through the dry season and emerge up to six months later.

Bold in Defence

Mantids are preyed upon by a variety of birds, lizards and other creatures, and this is another reason for their remarkable camouflage. If found and cornered by a predator, a mantis will typically rear up on its hind legs and wave its heavily armed front limbs at the attacker. Some species also have brightly coloured wings which are unfolded in an attempt at intimidation. I have seen shrikes, chameleons and even a domestic cat being kept at bay by such an aggressive defence.

Mythology and Folklore

Due to their bold and conspicuous behaviour - which entails rearing up with folded ‘arms' - mantids have attracted much human interest. This has led to their place in mythology and folklore throughout the world. The Khoisan, southern Africa's earliest inhabitants, embraced legends and myths which referred to a ‘trickster' god, who could transform himself into animal or human, and would die and be reborn many times. The predatory mantis therefore figures prominently in San folk tales in a role similar to the ‘clever fox' of European fables. Even today, Khoisan herd boys are still said to use mantises to ‘divine' the whereabouts of lost sheep or goats, and in Afrikaans, the mantis is referred to as "the Hottentot's God". These charismatic little creatures have enjoyed similar attention elsewhere in the world, with Arabic and Turkish cultures once regarding the mantis as a pointer to Mecca.

By chance or adaptation?

Like many insects, mantises can often be seen around the artificial lights of buildings after dark. Although not designed for nocturnal activity (their highly evolved camouflage is an adaptation to hunting and a disguise during daylight) mantises can often be seen preying on the dazed moths and other insects attracted to lights. Whether this behaviour is by chance or adaptation is an intriguing question.

- Duncan Butchart -

Posted: Other by CC Africa, Date: 21 November 2006