Praying mantis are an ancient and mysterious insect that is loved for its unique shape and predation style. In this article, we will introduce some popular science facts about praying mantises, let's learn about these interesting creatures together!
First, the life habits of praying mantises
Praying mantis belongs to the orthoptera mantis family, mainly distributed in Asia, Africa and Europe. They usually live in grass or bush and prefer moist environments. Adult praying mantis are nocturnal to avoid high temperatures and dry climates.
Praying mantis are omnivorous insects that feed mainly on plants. They gnaw on a variety of plant leaves, stems, and roots to get the nutrients they need. In addition, crickets also eat some small invertebrates, such as earthworms and spiders.
Second, the characteristics and predation mode of praying mantises
The most distinctive feature of praying mantis is that their forelimbs are shaped like "scissors" and can quickly grasp prey. When the prey approaches, the praying mantis will suddenly stick out its forelimbs, bite it into one bite and inject it into the digestive juice for digestion. This type of predation is known as "pinch predation".
In addition to pinch-type predation, praying mantis also has a special defense method called "self-defense counterattack". When threatened, the praying mantis will stand upright, exposing sharp forelimbs and jagged teeth to show the threat that it is deterrent and ready to fight back.
Third, the role of praying mantis in the ecosystem
In the ecosystem, praying mantis plays an important role. They can help control pest populations and protect plants from pests. In addition, some birds and mammals also feed on praying mantises, so praying mantis also plays a role in the food chain in the ecosystem.
Fourth, the breeding method of praying mantises
Praying mantis are oviparous animals, and after mating, female praying mantis will dig a shallow pit in the ground and then lay a bunch of eggs. These eggs usually have dozens of them, and the incubation period varies from a few days to several weeks. After hatching, the larvae will burrow out of the soil and start looking for food and grow. The larvae undergo multiple molts as they grow, eventually turning into adult praying mantises.
Fifth, how to protect praying mantises
Due to the influence of human activities, the number of praying mantis in many areas is gradually decreasing. To protect these interesting creatures, we can take the following measures:
1. Maintain the ecological environment: maintain the integrity and stability of the natural environment such as wetlands and grasslands, and provide a suitable living environment for praying mantises.
2. Prohibition of illegal killing: Formulate relevant laws and regulations to prohibit illegal killing and trade of praying mantis and their products.
3. Strengthen publicity and education: through popular science publicity and other means, improve the public's awareness of praying mantis and protection.
In conclusion, praying mantis are a mysterious and interesting insect that plays an important role in the ecosystem. We should actively protect these creatures so that they can continue to thrive in nature.