Download Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis
The Hunter or The Hunted?
-Mrs. Greiner
November 10, 2008
Classification
 Invertebrate – Has an exoskeleton – no
backbone
 Insect – Has 6 legs, antennae, 3 main body
parts, 2 compound eyes and wings
 Carnivore – preys on other
insects (meat)
Main Ecosystem :
Grasslands, Temperate
Forests & Rain Forests
Various Habitats
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Trees
Brush piles
Fields
Shrubs
Porches & Decks
Gardens
Animal Needs:
Food, Water, Shelter & Space
Mantids get water from
the insects they eat –
not a water source.
They can not survive
harsh winters – so
they need moderate
temperatures.
They prey on and even
stalk other insects,
such as bees, moths,
grasshoppers and
more. They don’t
usually eat the
wings.
The Praying Mantis uses camouflage to hide from
their prey; therefore, they need to live in areas with
vegetation.
Food Chain
Energy transfers from the sun to the producer. Then from the producer to the first
level consumer (the bee). Next from the bee to a 2nd level consumer (the praying
mantis). Finally from the mantid to a 3rd level consumer (the bat).
Food Web
A diagram that shows the relationships
between different food chains in an
ecosystem.
Mantid Behaviors
Adaptations
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The front legs are equipped with rows of sharp spikes that the mantis
uses to hold its prey.
A mantis will rear up on its hind legs and wave it heavily armed limbs
at its attacker.
Some have brightly colored wings that they unfold to intimidate their
attacker.
Camouflage (greatest adaptation)
– Some are green to blend in with the
leaves, brown to blend in with the
branches they live on and some are
even lilac colored to look like the orchid
flower.
Mantis eats a leaf bug.