Order Mantodea - Mantids

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Mantodea is sometimes classified as a suborder of order Dictyoptera, which is treated here as a superorder.

Mantis (Greek) = soothsayer, prophet (1)

Mantodea species range from 1 cm long (Mantoida tenuis) to over 17 cm long (Ischnomantis gigas) (4).

Mantodea are relatively large, elongate insects that can reach several inches in length. Mantids have generally triangular heads with large compound eyes set on either side and usually three ocelli situated in between (2). Mantodea have very flexible articulation between the head and prothorax providing it with great mobility and allowing a mantid to "look over its shoulder" (5). All Mantodea have easily recognizable raptorial prothoracic legs, which they use to capture prey. However these characteristic forelegs are not exclusive to Mantodea and similar specialization may be found in Phymatinae (Hemiptera), other members of Reduviidae (Hemiptera), and especially Mantispidae (Neuroptera) (4).

North American Mantodea usually live from spring to late autumn with eggs overwintering. Tropical species of Mantodea may live longer.

Mantids are predaceous, typically feeding on insects and other arthropods, and can be highly cannibalistic. Large mantids have also been known to prey on small birds, lizards, and amphibians (5).

Mantises go through incomplete metamorphosis, generally molting seven or more times prior to reaching maturity. Eggs are laid during the autumn in a foamy structure forming an ootheca (egg case), which hatch en masse in the spring.

[Note: This guide page was copied from another one with contributions from Richard Leung, John VanDyk, and cotinis.]