European Mantis
Mantis religiosa
Least ConcernFast Facts
About
The European mantis is the classic praying mantis, named for the prayer-like pose of its spined, folded forelegs held ready to strike. Beautifully camouflaged in green or brown to match the grasses and foliage it haunts, it is a patient and deadly ambush predator.
Its triangular head can swivel almost right round, and it is the only insect able to turn its head to look directly over its shoulder.
Behaviour
The mantis waits motionless until prey strays within range, then shoots out its barbed forelegs in a strike too fast for the eye to follow, pinning the victim securely. It will tackle insects as large as itself.
Famously, the female may occasionally cannibalise the male during or after mating, though this is less common in the wild than its reputation suggests.
Did you know?
- The mantis is the only insect able to turn its head to look over its shoulder
- Its lightning strike to catch prey is among the fastest movements in the insect world
- Females sometimes devour the male during mating
- It has a single ear on the underside of its body, tuned to detect hunting bats
Distribution
Southern and central Europe, Africa and Asia; introduced to North America
