Preying Mantids

Belong to the order of “MANTODEA”

These also look like stick insects, but very different in appearance. They have long thin legs (middle & hind) with a triangular shaped head & a pair of sharp raptorial front legs which are covered in spines underneath the front legs. 

Remaining perfectly still they wait patiently waiting for their victim to get close, as they tighten their body parts together like a stick then they leap out & grab it, usually taking the head off first. In the breeding season after the male has done his job, the female kills the male by decapitating him. Mantids also hatch into incomplete metamorphosis, the female lays the eggs, & sprays them with a special fluid, the eggs are inside a "OOTHECA" circular shape package which is designed for protection from predators. In the Spring, young ones hatch out & are ready to defend themselves.

 

Purple winged Mantid                 
(Tenodera australasiae)                        

                                                   

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oothecaPurple-winged mantid

  ootheca

 

Color: brown body with purple wings
Active period of Adults: Spring & Summer
Status/distribution: common in NE Victoria
 

 

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