Mantodea

Common name:

Praying mantis

Distribution:

Every continent except Antarctica

Habitat:

In warmer regions, particularly tropical and temperate habitats. Most species live in the tropical rainforest, although others can be found in deserts, grasslands and meadowlands.

Diet:

Small animals and other insects, including other mantis

Number of species globally

2400

Number of species in Hong Kong :

Morphology
(how to recognize them) :

-Triangular head with well developed compound eyes
-Sickle-like front legs with spines
-Elongated prothorax
-Most have well developed wings with elongated leathery forewings and broad membranous hindwings

Diagram

Did you know ?

Some females eat the upper half of the males in the course of mating but the males can still complete the mating process. Although females don’t always eat their mates, they may still do that because of starving, or when the males irritate them.