Page 121 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

Praying mantis

© All images on spread: Thinkstock

COMPOUND EYES
One of this predator’s
greatest weapons is its
visual acuity – indeed,
mantises are the only
invertebrates known to
see in 3D. The black dots
are ‘pseudopupils’ rather HEAD TURNER
than pupils; they are The thorax of the praying mantis,
actually seeing with the linking the head to the abdomen, is very
full surface of the eye. narrow, and a unique joint offers a wide
range of movement, enabling the head
to move through almost 180 degrees.

RAPTORIAL LEGS

The front legs are covered
in vicious spines to help
grasp prey on attack and
to prevent it from wriggling
free once captured.

CLOAK OF
INVISIBILITY
Mantises are masters
of camouflage, with
different species having
evolved to blend
in with local flora,
whether it’s leaves,
flowers or even twigs.

A male meets a grisly end after
mating with a female, but his
sacrifice will benefit his offspring

119