Facts on the Praying Mantis

How many species of praying mantis exist, and what is notable about their appearance?

• 1,500 species; they are all green and uniform in size

• 2,400 species; they vary in color and size and can blend into their environments

• 3,000 species; they are mostly large and brightly colored

• 2,400 species; they are always brown and resemble twigs

What unique defensive strategies do praying mantises employ?

• Spraying toxins to deter predators

• Hiding in underground burrows

• Flying long distances to escape predators

• Mimicking foliage, flowers, or insects to avoid detection

What role does a mantis's eyesight play in its hunting abilities?

• It enables them to create 3D imaging for precise prey strikes

• It distracts predators with bright flashes of color

• It allows them to see in complete darkness

• It allows them to view wider angles and farther distances. 

At what time of the year do the female mantises lay her egg sacs?

• Late Fall/Early Winter

• Late Winter/Early Spring

• Late Summer/Early Fall

• Early Summer

What does the diet of a praying mantis consist of? (select all that apply)

• Insects (aphids, grasshoppers, bees)

• Plants and flowers

• Occasionally, other mantises

• some birds, reptiles, and fish

What feeding habit of the praying mantis most impacts the ecosystem?

• Their consumption of crops and foliage

• Their consumption of beneficials like bees, butterflies, and birds

• Their consumption of an infestation of insect pests

• The consumption of the male mantises during the mating process

What parts of the body does the mantis primarily rely on for hunting? (select all that apply)

• Jumping hind legs

• Mandibles

• Raptorial legs

• Compound eyes

What praying mantis species is native to the U.S.?

Why are Chinese and European mantises considered problematic in the U.S.?

• They compete with other insects for nesting areas

• They are responsible for attacking larger beneficial animals and insects 

• They cause damage to crops

• They only eat plants and disrupt the food chain

What recommendation is given to manage invasive mantis species?

• Remove and destroy their egg sacs when spotted

• Use pesticides to eliminate them

• Introduce predators to control their population

• Relocate the mantises to uninhabited areas