Blog launched: November 10, 2009

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Mantis religiosa

803_7883 mantis religiosa]
 
This insect is the most well-known of many similar mantids. It can be found in Central and Southern Europe. Adults reach 6-7 cm in length.
 
For those who are not familiar with it, it is worth to note that it is a fearsome predator. It remains motionless and waits for other insects to come close enough. Then, in a split-second it seizes them with its powerful, spiny forelegs and enjoys its meal!
 
Although I have seen a mantis a number of times, I confess that this time I spent more time in looking carefully at the anatomy of its body rather than in taking the picture. The widely spaced eyes on its triangular head seem to provide it with a wider field of view and allow it to strike with deadly accuracy, while the spines on the forelegs make it almost impossible for the prey to escape.
 
 

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