The Dragons of the Insect World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mantid or Praying Mantis as it is often called, is a relatively common insect which is known throughout most of South Africa and can often be found on foliage in gardens. Despite its often large size, however, it is easily overlooked as it normally sits either very still or sways gently from side to side.

Attracted to light it is a frequent, if not always welcomed, visitor in the house where once it has settled will patiently sit on a curtain or any other spot it finds convenient, waiting for its dinner in the form of other insects.

Mantids, like other insects, have six legs but the mantid only uses its last two pairs of legs for walking. The strong raptorial fore-legs have been specially adapted for capturing and holding its prey, which often consists of moths, butterflies, flies and crickets, although it will take virtually all nature of insects, sometimes even larger than itself. These legs which are moved by very large strong muscles are also armed with a number of sharp tooth-like hardened spines, any hapless insect caught in the grip of these spines has no chance of escape whatsoever.

Mantids do not actively hunt their prey but rather ambush them. A mantid will sit entirely still, only occasionally moving its head to follow any movement in the proximity, until some unsuspecting creature approaches within its range. Then it will rapidly shoot out the fore-legs, which are always held at the ready, hence its well known "praying" position, and snap up its dinner. It is not without reason that they are known as one of the insect world's most deadliest hunters.

Mantids have voracious appetites and never seem to be put off from a good meal. Even when threatened, for example when being photographed and gently prodded to move into a required position, they will not release their prey. Certain species, however, will flare open their often brightly coloured hind wings in a threatening display when disturbed. Although they are the "dragons" of the insect world and have powerful jaws they are harmless to humans though larger specimens can deliver a few deep scratches with their sharp spines if handled carelessly.

Mantids also have the ability to swing, turn and tilt their heads, which most other insects do not have.  Mantids are one of the "good guys" in the insect world, although of little agricultural or economic importance as a control for other insects they do rid us of a number of undesirable flies, moths and bugs. Next time one of these little fellows come to visit gently catch it in a bottle or similar holder and transfer it onto a bush outside.

Text and photographs copyright Lambert Smith.

 

© COPYRIGHT Lambert Smith, 2009