Praying Mantis and prey meet

The Praying Mantis, tenodera aridifolia sinensis, also known as the Chinese Mantis, Predator of insects is one of the largest species in the the... more

by Leslie Crotty

Title

Praying Mantis and prey meet

Artist

Leslie Crotty

Medium

Photograph

Description

The Praying Mantis, tenodera aridifolia sinensis, also known as the Chinese Mantis, Predator of insects is one of the largest species in the the mantis family reaching lengths of approximately six inches. It is beneficial to any garden having fruits, vegetables or any other type of produce. It preys and feeds on insects that may be destructive to any garden keeping the eco system in check! They are extremely quick! When hungry they will stay still on a branch, limb or flower with their arms folded in a praying position then when another insect or prey come within their reach they will grab it at lightning speed and start eating it live usually starting with the head of it's victim. There also have been cases documented of these mantises taking down gardner snakes and humming birds! When I was a young boy of 11 year's old someone had told me there was a $500.00 fine if caught killing these little guys. One of god's little creatures! A Farmer or anyone having a garden should have a couple of these roaming around, keeping all the harmful insects under control. It is also fun to hold in your hands and have as pets. The best way to catch one of these mantises is to extend your hand palm down and have them walk on the top of your hand, by doing it this way the mantis won't feel threatened After mating, sometimes the female will bite off the head of the male. About a week or two later the female will lay her eggs sometimes in late September or early October in what is called an egg casing with air pockets which hardens and protects the babies throughout the winter months! The female will usually expire approximately one to two weeks after this. Sometime in May of the following year when the weather starts to warm up the hatchlings will emerge from the egg casing sometimes eating each other to survive before finding other prey. At this time the cycle starts all over again until October. As a pet, it is very unique and interesting insect to raise from a hatchling to adult size and if anyone has this opportunity the way I have, they will have a great experience finding out what Nature brings to all of us!

Uploaded

September 24th, 2012