Praying mantids - Mantodea
Praying mantids are insects belonging to the order Mantodea. Both the nymphs and adults of praying mantids are predators. They feed on flies, bees, moths and small spiders.
Description and life cycle
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Praying mantids are easily recognized by their large spiny front legs which are held in a "praying" position. Depending on the species these are medium to large size insects. Usually their colors are green or light brown and they are well camouflaged when they're are hiding. Their eyes are large and well apart on each side of their mobile head and they have strong mouthparts for chewing. Female mantids lay up to few hundred eggs in a distinctive papery egg case (called ootheca) which is attached to a twig. Depending on the species between 10 and 40 young nymphs hatch from the ootheca. Nymphs look very much like small adults. |
 This stamp shows an adult praying mantid. |
Effectiveness
Mantids can eat many large insects per day. Usually they do not search for prey but remain stationary until a suitable prey comes near enough to be captured.
Cannibalism is common in praying mantids.
Praying mantids reproduce slowly and are usually found in small numbers. Therefore they are generally not regarded as very important in controlling insect pest populations.
Conservation
Mantids and most other natural enemies are easily killed by broad-spectrum pesticides. Therefore use of these pesticides should be avoided as much as possible.
Egg cases of praying mantids are often very conspicuous. When they are seen outside the crop, they may be carefully removed and placed inside the crop field.See: references