Praying Mantis Papercraft by Nobi

12 Jan, 2022

The praying mantis is one type of insect that mostly lives in the tropics. Named the praying mantis, because of the attitude of his feet that often look like he is praying.

Praying mantis can be found easily in rice fields to the yard of the house. There are some unique facts about this six-legged animal that are interesting to discuss. What are they? Come on, see the line!

1. The small predator that can prey on insects to birds

It has spiked legs, making it easier for this one animal to grip and prevent the enemy from escaping. Generally, praying mantis will prey on insects such as spiders, crickets, and fellow grasshoppers.

Even a surprising fact, some reptiles such as lizards and frogs as well as small birds are also often hunted.

The praying mantis will begin to prey on the birds by gnawing at the skull and eating the brain first.

2. Able to camouflage to outwit potential predators and prey

To outwit predators and prey, the praying mantis can camouflage well according to the color of its environment. These animals can resemble the color of grass, leaves, and logs so that they are almost unrecognizable by their opponents.

Uniquely, the praying mantis will swing from side to side following the movement of the wind in camouflage. This behavior makes the opponent unaware of his presence.

3. The San-in South Africa believe in him as a God

The name praying mantis is pinned because of the attitude of his feet that look like a praying prophet. Not just any name, apparently the San tribe, residents of the Kalahari desert, South Africa also believe in him as the oldest god who has supernatural powers.

The San tribe considers the praying mantis as a messenger of God who will send a message to his people. They will try to see, observe, decipher messages, then read signs of events from the arrival of the animal.

4. The female grasshopper will prey on the male shortly after mating

Sadistically, the female praying mantis will cut off the male's head after having intercourse, then eat it. Investigate a calibration, this is done to obtain adequate food intake for the survival of the prospective eggs resulting from this relationship.

Not only the head but the male's body will also slowly be devoured until nothing is left. According to some sources, this male sacrifice was done solely to preserve the population. It's so tragic, guys!

5. Can rotate the head up to 180 degrees

Maybe you will be surprised again by the following facts. The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head up to 180 degrees.

With this kind of advantage, it is easier for the praying mantis to look all over the side without having to move other body parts. So that potential prey and predators cannot feel the presence of this one animal.