Praying MantisPraying Mantis

The Hunter or The Hunted?The Hunter or The Hunted?

-Mrs. Greiner-Mrs. GreinerNovember 10, 2008November 10, 2008

ClassificationClassification Invertebrate – Invertebrate – Has an exoskeleton – no Has an exoskeleton – no

backbonebackbone

Insect – Insect – Has 6 legs, antennae, 3 main body Has 6 legs, antennae, 3 main body parts, 2 compound eyes and wingsparts, 2 compound eyes and wings

Carnivore – Carnivore – preys on other preys on other

insects (meat)insects (meat)

Main Ecosystem : Main Ecosystem : Grasslands, Temperate Grasslands, Temperate Forests & Rain ForestsForests & Rain Forests

Various HabitatsVarious Habitats TreesTrees Brush pilesBrush piles FieldsFields ShrubsShrubs Porches & DecksPorches & Decks GardensGardens

Animal Needs:Animal Needs:Food, Water, Shelter & SpaceFood, Water, Shelter & Space

Mantids get water from Mantids get water from the insects they eat – the insects they eat – not a water source.not a water source.

They prey on and They prey on and even stalkeven stalk other insects, such as bees, other insects, such as bees, moths, grasshoppers and moths, grasshoppers and more. more. They don’t usually They don’t usually eat the wings.eat the wings.They can not survive They can not survive

harsh winters – so harsh winters – so they need moderate they need moderate temperatures.temperatures.

The Praying Mantis uses camouflage to hide from The Praying Mantis uses camouflage to hide from their prey; therefore, they need to live in areas with their prey; therefore, they need to live in areas with vegetation.vegetation.

Food ChainFood Chain

Energy transfers from the sun to the producer. Then from the producer to the first level consumer (the bee). Next from the bee to a 2nd level consumer (the praying mantis). Finally from the mantid to a 3rd level consumer (the bat).

Food WebFood Web

A diagram that shows the relationships between different food chains in an

ecosystem.

Mantid BehaviorsMantid BehaviorsAdaptationsAdaptations The front legs are equipped with rows of sharp spikes that

the mantis uses to hold its prey. A mantis will rear up on its hind legs and wave it heavily

armed limbs at its attacker. Some have brightly colored wings that they unfold to

intimidate their attacker.

Mantis eats a leaf bug.

Camouflage (greatest adaptation)

– Some are green to blend in with the leaves, brown to blend in with the branches they live on and some are even lilac colored to look like the orchid flower.