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Project Noah Nature School
Mantis religiosa
Three distinct body regions: head, thorax (where the legs and wings are attached), abdomen. Part of the thorax is elongated to create a distinctive 'neck'. Front legs modified as raptorial graspers with strong spikes for grabbing and holding prey. Large compound eyes on the head which moves freely around (up to 180°) and three simple eyes between the compound eyes. Incomplete or simple metamorphosis (hemimetabolous).
Praying mantids are often protectively colored to the plants they live on. This camouflage facilitates their predaceous behavior. Mantids are usually found on plants that have other insects around. Some mantids live in grass. Winged adults may be attracted to black lights in late summer and early fall.
Spotted on Aug 7, 2013
Submitted on Aug 7, 2013
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