Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Praying Mantis Egg Cases

A few praying mantis egg cases were donated to the Sanctuary and after one case hatched, the tiny mantids, known as nymphs, were released into the wild. Praying mantis egg cases yield 100’s of nymphs, often with only one or two that survive to adulthood.

The word is sometimes misspelled “preying” mantis because of its preying nature. The praying mantis is instead named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position of prayer. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them. Praying mantis feed on moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects. However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from reproduction.
If you are interested in learning more about the praying mantis, stop by the nature center here at the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary to have a look at the egg cases we have on display. And don't forget to look out for mantids on the trails throughout the spring and summer!

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