30 of the Most Absurd-Looking Mantis Species
4 European Mantis
Paul Starosta / Getty Images
At times, the name "praying mantis" might be used to describe any of the mantid species, but if you live in the United States, chances are it's referring to the European mantis (Mantis religiosa). This distinctive species is the most common mantis in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Though it's usually bright green, it can range in color from yellow to dark brown.
Even this common species has a few bizarre characteristics, including a mobile head (they can look behind them, a unique skill among insects) and a propensity for sexual cannibalism, in which the more-powerful female is likely to kill and eat the male after mating. Scientists suspect she does this to take advantage of available resources shortly after being fertilized so that her eggs will grow better and faster.5
Paul Starosta / Getty Images
At times, the name "praying mantis" might be used to describe any of the mantid species, but if you live in the United States, chances are it's referring to the European mantis (Mantis religiosa). This distinctive species is the most common mantis in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Though it's usually bright green, it can range in color from yellow to dark brown.
Even this common species has a few bizarre characteristics, including a mobile head (they can look behind them, a unique skill among insects) and a propensity for sexual cannibalism, in which the more-powerful female is likely to kill and eat the male after mating. Scientists suspect she does this to take advantage of available resources shortly after being fertilized so that her eggs will grow better and faster.5
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27 December 2023
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