Praying mantises
Known for the front legs it folds as if in prayer, the praying mantis is a patient and skilled insect hunter. It is common in Türkiye's meadows, gardens and field edges.
- Longitud
- 5–8 cm
- Alimentación
- Insectívoro
- Clase
- Invertebrado
Las cifras son aproximadas para adultos y varían según el sexo, la subespecie y la población.
De un vistazo
Los datos clave sobre Mantis religiosas.
- Where does it live?It lives in southern and central Europe, Asia and Africa, and has also been carried to North America.
- What does it eat?It is a carnivore that hunts flies, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths and other insects.
- Behaviour and lifeMantises live alone and are well camouflaged.
- Life cycleIn autumn, the female covers her eggs in a foam-like substance and sticks them to twigs or stones; the substance hardens and protects the eggs…
En detalle
En resumen
- The praying mantis waits with its front legs folded as if praying.
- It grabs prey very quickly with its spiny front legs.
- It is one of the few insects that can turn its head almost 180 degrees.
- By hunting many garden insects, it helps keep nature in balance.
- It can be seen in almost every region of Türkiye.
The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a long-bodied insect that can be green or brown. The way it waits with its spiny front legs folded gives it a "praying" look, and both its common and scientific names come from this posture.
Where does it live?
It lives in southern and central Europe, Asia and Africa, and has also been carried to North America. In Türkiye it is seen in almost every region, in meadows, scrub, field edges and gardens.
What does it eat?
It is a carnivore that hunts flies, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths and other insects. It usually waits motionless among plants and, when prey comes close enough, shoots out its front legs to grab it.
Behaviour and life
Mantises live alone and are well camouflaged. They can turn their heads through a wide angle and their large compound eyes are good at detecting movement. When threatened, they spread their wings and raise their front legs to look bigger.
Life cycle
In autumn, the female covers her eggs in a foam-like substance and sticks them to twigs or stones; the substance hardens and protects the eggs through winter. In spring, small nymphs hatch and grow by moulting several times. Adults usually die in autumn.
Conservation status
There is no global IUCN assessment for this species. Although it is common, pesticides and the loss of meadows affect insect populations in general.
Fun facts
- Mantises have a single "ear" on the underside of the body that helps them detect bat calls.
- Females sometimes eat the male during mating, but not always.
- A mantis in your garden is a natural helper against pest insects.
Animales similares
Otros animales del mismo grupo.
Respeto por la naturaleza, mañanas más fuertes
Proteger la fauna silvestre es responsabilidad de todos.
Si encuentras un animal silvestre herido o una cría, no lo toques y avisa a la autoridad local de protección de la naturaleza. Más conocimiento, más conciencia.
- Respeta los hábitats naturales
- Observa a los animales desde lejos
- No dejes basura en la naturaleza
- Apoya un futuro sostenible
