Page 120 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

PRAYING MANTIS:

The insect assassin

The consummate ambush hunter that has perfected the balance

between biding its time and a speedy spring-loaded strike

Words Adam Millward

here are some bugs, like ladybirds, approach, these bugs have developed an sex. To be fair, it’s worth noting that
that people are surprised to learn exquisite array of disguises cannibalism isn’t ubiquitous, only occurring
are voracious hunters. The praying to blend into their surroundings. By imitating around 20% of the time, and in some species
mantis, however, does not fall into plants – whether it’s a dead leaf or an exotic more than others.
Tthat category. One look at these flower – these hunters can hide in plain sight Any cannibalism may seem cold-hearted
insects, with their primed-to-strike, spike- and let their dinner come to them. As soon to our sensibilities – and the much smaller
covered legs and unflinching bulbous eyes as an oblivious victim wanders into range, males have rightly learned to be wary
leaves you under no illusion that they the mantis pounces at a breakneck pace, when courting – but this substantial meal
mean business. unleashing those raptorial legs which at rest does serve an evolutionary advantage.
Arguably what makes them so deadly, are ever-poised with potential energy. Studies have shown that mums-to-be who
though, is not just the on-show weaponry. Infamously, mantises don’t only put their consume their partners can produce more
While we only see two eyes, these bugs predatory skills towards dispatching other than double the number of eggs, so it’s the
actually have five – the other three are species, with females notorious for killing next generation that reaps the rewards
hidden on the head and are primarily used their mates shortly after, or even during of dad’s demise.
to sense light levels. They also have an ‘ear’
of sorts located on their thorax that can
detect ultrasonic sounds, which comes in
handy for evading bat attacks.
Even with the features that are visible,
we’re only just scratching the surface of their
capabilities. In 2018, scientists discovered
that mantises have a unique form of 3D
vision like no other known animal in the
world. Their eyesight is even more advanced
than our own in some ways, including the
speed at which they can process moving
objects at close range.
Couple these extraordinary anatomical
assets with a cunning hunting strategy and
you truly have a lethal combination. Mantises
aren’t afraid to play the waiting game,
conserving energy and avoiding exposing
themselves to unnecessary danger – as
formidable as they may be, they have their
own predators to worry about.
To facilitate their ambush

GIANT ASIAN MANTIS HIDDEN WINGS
Hierodula membranacea
Lifespan 12-18 months While not all praying mantises can fly, the
Adult weight 9g (0.3oz) giant Asian mantis is one species that can.
Conservation status It has two pairs of wings: the outer set are
thicker and coloured, shielding the more
delicate wings below, both to prevent
NOT EVALUATED damage and to maintain its all-over camo.

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