Insects Word

 Mantis

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name - Mantis religiosa

Domain              - Eukaryota

Kingdom            - Animalia

Phylum              - Arthropoda

Class                  - Insecta

Order                 - Mantodea

Family               - Mantidae

Genus                - Mantis

Species              - M.religiosa

Mantises are an order of insects that contains over 2400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae. Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks. The earliest mantis fossils are about 140 million years old, from Siberia. Praying mantids have long necks topped by a triangular head. They can turn their heads 180 degrees an entire half circle. They are well camouflaged, adapting colors that help them blend with plants. Some also have amazing body shapes that make them look like leaves or branches.

The praying mantis is found in many differing habitats. They are generally located in the warmer regions, particularly tropical and subtropical latitudes. Most species live in the tropical rainforest, although others can be found in deserts, grasslands and meadowlands. Mantises are among the largest insects. Adults generally range from 2 to 5 inches ( 5 - 12 cm ) long. Adults and nymphs are elongate and usually brown, green, or yellowish; a single species can have all 3 colors phases, such as the California mantid, Stagmomantis wheeleri.

Despite their small size, they may not eat spiders, frogs, lizards, and small birds, praying mantises aren't generally known to bite humans, but it is possible. They could do it by accident if they see your fingers as prey, but like most animals, they know how to correctly identify their food. Praying mantises have no venom and cannot sting. Nor do they carry any infectious diseases.

😊😊😊