Nature fight Big Praying Mentis: What does Mantis mean
What does Mantis mean?
Definition and meaning of mantis
mantis noun man tis ˈmant-as. Also mantis plural mantes ˈman-ˌtez. : any of various large, usually green insects related to grasshoppers and cockroaches that feed on other insects and catch their prey on the first pair of legs.
Table of Contents
Idolomantis diabolica (flower mantis) 1
1. Scientific Classification. 1
3. Housing and distribution. 2
More Special characteristics. 2
The most beautiful mantis?
The Giant Devil's Flower Mantis, scientifically known as Idolomantis Diabolica, is one of the most beautiful insects.
What mythical creature is the mantis?
In the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, mantises were depicted as deities, bird-like flies, who carried souls to the underworld. Similarly, it appeared in ancient Sumerian texts as a kind of necromancer figure. They are prominently mentioned on the idols of the Greek Theocrates, and indeed, mantis is the Greek word for prophet.
Idolomantis diabolica (flower mantis)
Idolomantis diabolica, commonly known as the devil's flower mantis, is one of the largest and most visually striking species of mantis. Here's a detailed look at this interesting bug:
1. Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animals
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Mintodia.
- Family: Empusidae
- Genus: Idolomantis
- Species: I. diabolica
2. Appearance
- Size: One of the largest mantises; females can reach up to 13 cm and males are slightly smaller.
- Coloration: They display vibrant colors, including green, white, pink, and purple, especially during their adult stage. These colors make them resemble a flower, which helps with camouflage.
- Feathers: Adults have large, fancy plumage that they can display as a threat to predators.
- Body Shape: A long chest and protruding lobes on the legs enhance their flower-like appearance.
3. Housing and distribution
- Found in East Africa, especially in countries such as Tanzania and Kenya.
- Prefers a warm, dry climate with vegetation that matches its camouflage.
4. Behaviour and lifestyle
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on flying insects such as flies, moths and butterflies.
- Hunting strategy: Predators use ambushes that rely on its flower-like appearance to attract prey.
- Reproduction: Females lay oothecas (egg cases), which contain dozens of eggs. The eggs hatch into ant-like nymphs before molting into a flower-like form.
- Defensive behaviour: When threatened, they display their colourful wings and raise their legs to scare away predators.
5. Reproduction and ageing
- Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger, while males are slimmer and have longer antennae, which help in finding a mate.
- Age is usually between 8-12 months depending on environmental conditions.
6. Care in confinement
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F).
- Humidity: Moderate humidity of around 40-60% is required.
- Food in captivity: Live insects such as fruit flies, house flies, and crickets.
- Housing: Requires wide walls with vertical space for thawing and adequate ventilation.
More Special characteristics
Idolomantis diabolica (Devil's Flower Mantis) is known for its unique features that distinguish it from other mantis species. These are its special features:
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1. Flower-like Shape
- Camouflage: It resembles a flower, especially in its adult stage, its legs and body are spread out like petals. This mimicry helps it blend in with its surroundings and attract pollinators as prey.
- Color Changes: It can display green, white, pink, and purple hues depending on the environment and lighting.
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2. Stunning Threat Display
- When threatened, it unfolds its large, colorful wings and raises its front legs to appear larger and more threatening.
- The inner wings have bright patterns resembling eyes or petals, which deters predators and adds to its showiness.
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3. Sexual Dimorphism
- Females: Large and heavy-bodied, suited to producing and carrying eggs.
- Males: Shorter, more agile, with longer antennae to locate females during mating.
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4. Unique Hunting Behavior
- Ambush Hunter: Unlike other mantises that actively hunt, this species relies on its flower-like appearance to attract prey.
- Specialized Diet: Feeds primarily on flying insects such as butterflies, moths, and flies, taking advantage of its speed and accuracy.
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5. Environmental Sensitivity
- Temperature and humidity sensitive mantis species.
- Requires highly specialized conditions to thrive, making captive keeping a challenge.
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6. Size and Beauty
- Among the largest mantises, females grow up to 13 cm (5 in).
- Its long, slender limbs and long chest give it a graceful, almost alien appearance.
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7. Interesting Development
- Nymph Stage: Begins with a simple ant-like form, providing protection from predators.
- Molting Process: Undergoes several molts, gradually developing into its full flower form. Each molt is a delicate stage due to its fragility.
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8. Rare and Highly Sought After
- Prized by insect enthusiasts and collectors for its exquisite beauty and unique behavior.
- Not commonly found in the wild or in the pet trade due to its specific care requirements and limited natural habitat.
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9. Effective Adaptation to Predators
- Four Spiny Legs: Equipped with sharp spines to firmly grasp and secure prey.
- Binocular Vision: Highly developed vision allows it to track fast-moving prey with incredible accuracy.
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10. Symbol of biodiversity
- As a rare and visually striking insect, it symbolizes the complex and unusual adaptations found in nature.
