Department of Entomology

Mantodea (Praying mantids)

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. Greek - ,soothsayer
2. Foretell the future

B. Classification

1. Suborders - none
2. America north of Mexico - 1 family, 12 genera, 20 species (5 common)
3. World - 8 families, ? genera, 1,500 species
4. Estimate of undescribe species - 1% in N. America

C. Common names - Praying mantids (mantis)

D. Type of metamorphosis - Paurometabolous

E. Phylogenetic relationships

1. Orthopteroid

II. Morphological characteristics

A. Fore legs adapted for grasping prey

B. Large (usually over 1 in.)

C. Tarsi five-segmented.

D. Antennae short

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Life history

1. Eggs -enclosed in a paper or styrofoam-like material and glued to twigs or small branches..
2. Nymphs - Overwinter in egg case. Live in same habitat as adults.
3. Adults
4. Single generation per year

B. Habitat

1. Bushes, buildings, sometimes attracted to light.

C. Habits (mode of existence)

1. Predacious.

D. Collecting and preserving

1. Sweeping vegetation
2. Mount on pins
3. Spread left wing (if they have a diagnostic pattern)

E. Behavior

1. Stalk other insects
2. Female will eat male after mating
3. Carnivorous if kept confined.

F. Significance

1. Economic - Minor
2. Ecological - Predators

Prepared by: F. W. Ravlin, VPI & SU
Last modified: 9/3/96