An unearthly creature. Why was the praying mantis called that? The praying mantis is an amazing insect. Why is the praying mantis insect called that?
Well, first of all, why “mantis”? The name is quite strange, to be sure. The name of the insect was not invented by anyone, but by Carl Linnaeus himself, the founder of the entire biological table, a great mind. So, when he finally paid attention to the praying mantis, he exclaimed: “Tja, det ser ut som på mantis, för fan!”, which translated from Swedish means “Well, it looks like a praying mantis, damn!”
If you look at a praying mantis, you can really see that the pose of this insect is similar to the pose of a praying person. That is why Linnaeus gave the name Mantis religiosa or “religious priest”, in our opinion. 
As for official judgments about the praying mantis, they are as follows. Praying mantises are not just a type of insect, but an entire suborder, with many species. The length of the praying mantis is about 5 cm. In American films, praying mantises sometimes reach five meters in length.
The color of the praying mantis varies from green to brown. The praying mantis has wings, but it rarely uses them, I will tell you why later. Females, for example, use their wings only in exceptional cases. Until a certain point, scientists even believed that the female’s wings were necessary only for intimidation. Then, after observing, they finally realized that the female could fly. True, they still don’t understand why praying mantises need to fly.
Well, not that much later. I actually wanted to reveal all of Mantis's cards at the end, but I can't wait to talk about Mantis' origins now. Official scientific opinions about the origin of the praying mantis are extremely uninteresting. All the same nonsense: the origin of life in water, the first amphibians, arthropods, insects, modifications that led to the development of the praying mantis, blah, blah, blah.
There is also unofficial version origin. It is so obvious that even a child will agree with it, unlike inert scientists. To truly understand the praying mantis, it is enough to look at the face of the praying mantis for a couple of minutes.
Here, watch for two minutes, try to understand. 
Do you see? I am sure that you also understood the whole truth, namely that the praying mantis is a creature of unearthly origin. It only looks like an insect, but if you look at it more closely, a version of alien origin immediately comes to mind.
Do not rush to accept the skeptical side of scientists, let's look at some facts together.
Again, let's take coloring. I already said that it varies, but I didn’t say how much. It varies so much that it is impossible to say definitely what color the praying mantis is. Of course, we are used to thinking that the praying mantis is green. This is true, but the mantis is green only when it sees leaves. Since scientists, in their own foolishness, continue to look for praying mantises only on leaves, they have no idea about the ability of the praying mantis to choose any color they please.
How about this coloring? 
Look around you and remember that praying mantises are everywhere. They disguise themselves so that we don’t see them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, right? Look carefully, perhaps the praying mantis is hiding among your office papers or sitting right on your brand new iPhone. Or maybe he was hiding in an indoor flower. 
Don't forget to look in the barn. 
Another fact that is known to many. No, I can’t talk about him calmly. The fact is that after sex, the female eats her partner. Do you think this is normal? Imagine a herd of cows. They graze and eat grass peacefully. Then a young bull comes, moo-moo, all that. Here he is climbing on his love, here is sex. And then! The cow turns around and eats the bull whole! One, one, and it's done. And then he continues to peacefully eat grass.
If this is not enough for you, then I will continue. Not only do females eat males after sex. This can be understood: vitamins, nutrients, necessary for the development of the praying man... But how to understand the fact that before sex, the female bites off the male’s head? Before sex, not after. Imagine a herd of cows. However, it’s not necessary, you have no idea. A headless bull on a cow... Really, you shouldn’t even think about it.
In fact, the female does not always bite off the head and does not always eat the male. That is, this is an optional condition. And this only adds new questions like “What’s the point then?!” Scientists keep silent about these questions, while agreeing that in earthly nature this is an exceptional case.
This act of cannibalism inspired not only me. For example, one Frenchman Marcel Rolland wrote about it this way:
“I will tell you below how the praying mantis devours its victims, but I must say that this drama, played out in the mysterious, apparently serene canopy of a hedge, was for me my first meeting with the Relentless. Thus I learned the terrible law of force to which the world is subject.”
There he said a lot more, one might even say that the praying mantis shook his psyche.
Scientists differ so widely in their assessments of this act that they sometimes go too far in their reasoning. So one of the scientists proved the thesis that the very fact of biting and nibbling is not so new in nature. Even among people you can find analogies. In short, I wrote all these words just to quote the words of this scientist:
Myths and folklore do not remain in debt: with their data they confirm the material of individual imagination. First of all, in the North Asian and North American regions there are widespread myths about women with toothed vaginas who kill, cutting off the penis, those who dare to have sexual intercourse with them.
Friends, I will take a short break and then continue. The devouring female praying mantises do not allow me to just pick up and continue my story. 
Of course, there will be skeptics who will say “oh well! An ordinary insect! But it's not that simple. Remember the cartoon about kung fu panda? So, there, among the kung fu masters, along with the tiger and the monkey, there was a praying mantis. An unheard of honor for small insect, don't you think?
The fact is that the Chinese were among the first to realize that something was wrong with the praying mantis. Just in case, they began to praise him. They not only drew a praying mantis, it’s not that strange, especially for the Chinese, they came up with a whole style martial art– praying mantis style. Not even a style, but a whole direction of styles, including: “Plum Blossom Mantis”, “Seven Star Mantis”, “Six Coordination Mantis Boxing” and other equally funny names.
We must pay tribute to the Chinese who understood real nature mantis. 
Mantises have wings, but they rarely use them. They do not need them for hunting; mantises have other methods of hunting. They also do not use flight for defense, as they are well camouflaged. Thus, wings are not needed for daily activities. It can be assumed that wings are necessary for migration, but nothing is known about flocks of flying mantises.
Possible solution this fact lies in one of the songs:
I read in one book,
That when it gets bad,
And an ice ax and a saw will rise above the world
They will be removed from the branch
And they will excite you and me,
Under tight wings.
Why do praying mantises have such a strong influence on people’s consciousness? And they really have a strong influence, all over the world. I already talked about the Chinese with their praying mantis style. Other peoples also had special ideas about this insect.
Thus, in Africa there is still a cult of the praying mantis, which is considered a god and founder of the worlds. In Europe they also paid attention to it Special attention. Attitudes towards the praying mantis are ambiguous; in some cultures it is extolled, in others it is considered a demonic creature.
Perhaps the praying mantis earned such attention through its ability to look. The praying mantis is perhaps the only insect that has the ability to move its head in the direction of its gaze. That is, unlike other insects, he not only sees, but also looks.
Generally speaking, the number of beliefs and myths associated with the praying mantis is amazing. 
More interesting fact. The praying mantis gets along just fine without a head and can even have sex. But that is not all. Not only can he walk and balance without a head, but without a head he can pretend to be dead. That is, being dead, he can pretend to be dead.
This incredible feature, as well as the ability to perfectly change its appearance, prompted one African tribe to create a myth about how the praying mantis turned into a dead antelope. The hunters found him and prepared to cut him with stone knives. But even then the mantis remained motionless. Then they started cutting pieces off the antelope. And only after this, the antelope again turned into a praying mantis. It was an elder pilgrim, he collected all his cut-off parts, attached them to himself and began to run with his paws raised (well, you know how he can do that), grab and eat children.
This is such a mythical African horror.
Why is the praying mantis called that?
The praying mantis family includes about 800 species. They have long and narrow bodies, six legs, brown or green wings up to 5 cm long. But why is this insect called somewhat unusually - a praying mantis?
The praying mantis got its name because of its body structure, habits and, naturally, associative connections of people. Very often it can be seen in a motionless pose, with its front, largest legs raised up. He stands there for hours, folding them, as if he is praying. The structure of the forelimbs of the praying mantis vaguely resembles human hands, bent at the elbows. Rubbing them and shaking its head, the praying mantis resembles a praying person. Hence the name “mantis”, that is, it prays to God. Even the great Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus gave this insect a name associated with religion - Mantis religiosa, that is, “religious predictor (prophet).”
Despite such a benevolent name, praying mantises are considered one of the most cruel and bloodthirsty insects. The praying mantis folds its legs in this way not for prayer, but for hunting. As soon as any insect appears nearby, the praying mantis quickly throws its folded legs forward and grabs the victim. The praying mantis is helped to hold it by those located on inside the front legs have sharp serrations.
Praying mantises hop on four hind legs and can fly from place to place. Moreover, they are the only insects that can turn their heads to the sides and back and even look over their shoulders. So it is difficult for the victim to dodge them; they will still notice him. Mantises catch prey and, holding it with their paws, slowly savor it.
This insect has long been of interest to scientists and fear of all people who have heard about it. People call praying mantises “soothsayers” and “mule killers.” The first name, obviously, comes from the meaningful pose of the “praying” one, and the second comes from the belief that the saliva of a praying mantis can poison a mule.
Hello friends! Today I will tell you interesting facts about the praying mantis. The number of praying mantis species is estimated to exceed 2,400. There are also 430 genera and 15 families. Of these species, only one of them is endangered, so these guys can apparently fend for themselves.
Why is the praying mantis called that?
When the praying mantis just stands, its paws form the same shape as during prayer. This is what led to its name. Moreover, the name of the praying mantis has Greek origin and is derived from the word “mantikos”, which means “prophet”.
The praying mantis has a long elongated body (its dimensions vary from 42 mm to 75 mm), has a triangular head and the most interesting fact about the structure of the praying mantis is that it can rotate it almost 180 degrees. This approach allows you to see the approaching fall or the simple world around you.
In addition, he has 5 eyes (2 regular and three small ones on his head) and only one ear, but it is there. It has antennae that allow it to navigate in space.
By the way, by its body you can distinguish a male praying mantis from a female. To do this, you need to count the number of lobes on the lower abdomen; girls will have fewer of them than boys.
The praying mantis is found in many habitats. They are usually located in warmer regions, especially tropical and subtropical latitudes. Most species live in tropical forests, while others can be found in deserts, steppes and grasslands. Only 18 species out of 2400 live in our latitudes.
The praying mantis lives for about a year in wild conditions, depending on how healthy and strong he is, and whether he is at all careful. But a praying mantis living at home can survive up to 2 years. Everything will depend on how you care for him and whether he/she gets bored in captivity.
The praying mantis is a predator that feeds on living food. They tend to ambush and attack other insects, which they can grab with their front legs. Once they lock their legs, the victim is almost never able to escape. Some species may also prey on spiders, small birds, lizards, mice and other small animals. Although most often these are bugs and other small insects.
During the breeding season, females become aggressive and can attack victims even as large as themselves.
The praying mantis definitely bites, which is how it attacks its future lunch or dinner. If you are worried about yourself, then in principle you shouldn’t, since it doesn’t touch a person. Unless you get into trouble yourself.
Why is the praying mantis dangerous for humans?
Theoretically, the praying mantis is dangerous for humans, like any other insect in our world. He will not intentionally attack, but he can injure. Its paws have sharp spines that are unlikely to cause a serious cut, but will be unpleasant. Although the most important thing is that they are not contagious and if nothing unnecessary gets into the wound, then it’s not scary.
Moreover, praying mantises can be kept at home and made friends with them, like with any other animals.
Yes. They all have wings (with the exception of just a couple of species), but due to the fact that females are heavier, they use them much less often, but males often resort to them to visit more places and find more females.
Cannibalism among praying mantises is, in principle, natural, but it happens extremely rarely. Eating a partner is not necessary for mating. Since the female is larger and can be very hungry, after the process any food will do for her, but often this does not happen, and the male simply leaves, albeit quickly and quietly, but he leaves.
How do praying mantises reproduce?
After dangerous sex (for the male), the female lays eggs on tree branches and protects them with a special substance, which subsequently hardens and forms a cocoon. There can be from 100 to 300 eggs.
Bonus facts about the praying mantis:
- China has several martial arts based on the movements and principles of the hunting mantis.
- The color and shape of the praying mantis can be very different; they can disguise themselves as flowers, twigs, leaves, etc. This phenomenon is called mimicry. Flower mantises are so colorful and convincing that unsuspecting insects come to collect nectar from them... and become lunch in the meantime.
- They can see the movement of other animals up to 18 meters away!
- They are often eaten the bats, so they should be wary too.
- The USSR once decided to use praying mantises as a natural weapon against unnecessary insects in agricultural life, but it didn’t work out. And all because praying mantises eat not only bugs, aphids, etc., but also bees, and this has only begun to cause harm.
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There are over 2 thousand species of these insects in the world. And in our region there lives only one - the common mantis.
This predator is not at all as pious as it might seem. Sitting in ambush for hours in a humble pose, he, like a seasoned special forces soldier, blends in with the vegetation. Fortunately, the natural color allows him to do this without special training. And at the right moment, the praying mantis grabs its victim with lightning speed and gnaws it alive.
As explained by the professor of the Department of Biology of BelSU Alexander Prisny, the praying mantis is the cockroach's closest relative. But unlike him, he is not content with garbage. He lives not in apartments, but in meadows and steppes. And it’s larger in size: the local specimen reaches 6 cm in length, and the Chinese one is twice as large.
The praying mantis is widespread on all continents. But there are very few representatives of some species left, so they are listed in the Red Book.
Scare the size
The green, also known as common, mantis often imitates grass, making it difficult to see. Large bulging eyes provide great visibility. A fly, a wasp or a butterfly gapes, and he has already noticed it. The head is triangular, the neck is so flexible that it can turn back, like an owl.
These awkward predators are terribly gluttonous. Always Ready to attack forces them to hold their front legs with tenacious spikes, like scissors. They eat everything from aphids to beetles. Females are not afraid to grab prey much larger than themselves, such as a frog.
Some species have wings, but more often they use them to intimidate enemies. And the praying mantis has many enemies.
Photo from pixabay.com
“Young individuals can be eaten by predatory beetles (ground beetles), spiders, and lizards. Adults include some birds, for example, shrikes,” says Prisny.
The trick of the praying mantis is not to run away, but to scare the enemy. When he is attacked, he tries to visually become larger. To do this, it sharply throws out its wings and hisses, swaying from side to side.
Deadly Lover
A plot that could be used for a horror movie is commonplace for praying mantises. They mate only once. The female is always larger than her suitor. And this fatal lady will most likely not only break his heart, but also bite off his head. Right during the action.
“She eats it if she’s hungry,” explains the professor. – This food is used for the development of eggs and the formation of the egg capsule. Simply put, for procreation.”
Scientists believe that the female praying mantis is inclined to cannibalism by an overwhelming amount of sex hormones. Here the gentleman is also weakened and cannot resist... And for further development in ootecae (a form of laying) eggs are required a large number of squirrel.
Having chosen the lady of my heart, future father for several hours sneaks up on her from behind. And then he tries to quickly leave the place of the orgy in order to avoid being a snack. The likelihood of losing your head is reduced if the chosen one before starting love games ate heavily. But the paradox is that only a hungry female releases a huge amount of attractive pheromones. It is for such fragrant ladies that mantises arrange real duels not for life, but for death. True, their lifespan is already short - these insects live on average about a year.
Is it possible to keep praying mantises at home?
IN Lately It has become fashionable to keep praying mantises in terrariums. They are practically safe for people - only a large female can bite through human skin.
“It’s better to have males. And in the second half of September and in October, when the breeding season is over,” advises Prisny.
You will have to feed your pet only live and twitching food. Crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, and flies are perfect. He will definitely eat his neighbors less than himself. It is also not worth housing two males together.
It is believed that praying mantises are field orderlies. In the Soviet Union, at one time they wanted to use them industrially as biological protection against pests of agricultural plants. True, this idea had to be abandoned, because the praying mantises also ate beneficial insects, including bees. In the USA and Asian countries they are still kept in homes to control flies.
Some peoples believed that by frightening a praying mantis, a person would shorten his life. It was believed that his bite would save him from warts, and he himself was able to predict the future and show the way: the insect should extend its upper leg in the direction in which it should go.
The ancient Greeks attributed to him the ability to predict the coming of spring. And in Rome, if anyone fell ill, they told him: “It was the praying mantis who looked at you.”.
The praying mantis played a cult role: its image was found on a Proserpine coin from Metapontus, next to the sacred ear of the Eleusinian mysteries.
In an engraving by the famous Dutch artist Mauritsa Escher depicts a praying mantis praying for the remission of sins of a deceased religious dignitary.
Mantis is the name given to one of the styles of Chinese martial arts, Wushu. It was invented by a Chinese peasant who watched a predator hunt.
Anna Morozova
