Some people believe that spotting a praying mantis can sprinkle a little good luck into their lives. Others, however, might see those head-spinning, exorcist-like abilities (they can turn their heads a full 180 degrees!) as a reason to steer clear.
Regardless of your beliefs about these long-legged wonders, there’s no denying that praying mantises are incredibly beneficial to the environment. So, if you happen to cross paths with one, why not tip your hat to the little guy before continuing on your way?
Still on the fence? We’re here to unveil all the fantastic ways praying mantises contribute to our world.
What Is a Praying Mantis?
When you look into the large compound eyes of a praying mantis, you might feel as if it’s peering deep into your soul. Its triangular head, spindly front legs and long body only enhance its unique, otherworldly aesthetic. But rest assured — a praying mantis is, in fact, an insect. Just like bees, butterflies and ants, praying mantises have a segmented body divided into the head, thorax and abdomen. With four legs positioned at the abdomen and two arm-like forelegs closer to their heads, these five-inch creatures are both fascinating and functional.
Known scientifically as Mantis religiosa, this species of praying mantid hails from Europe, parts of Asia and Africa. It made its way to North America over a hundred years ago. Praying mantises prefer warm habitats full of grass, shrubs and other forms of greenery. These lush environments offer the perfect buffet for their carnivorous appetites — other insects, spiders, frogs, lizards and even the occasional hummingbird.
Praying Mantis Benefits: Ecological and Agricultural
While praying mantises are not native to North America and are considered invasive, they’ve managed to become valuable contributors to their adopted home, offering a range of benefits to ecosystems and humans alike. Let’s explore some of the beneficial ways praying mantises impact the world around us.
Natural Pest Control
If you were to step into your backyard right now, you’d likely spot a handful of pests that you’d rather not share your space with — mosquitoes and cockroaches included. But pesticides often contain harmful substances that can contribute to pollution, reduce biodiversity and negatively impact the health of people and animals.
Fortunately, praying mantises are nature’s pest control experts, and they’re more than happy to help you manage these unwanted guests. If you have a garden or are looking for a way to rid crops of unwanted pests, consider using praying mantises as a natural form of pest control. As carnivorous predators, mantises feast on a wide variety of insects, making them an ally in keeping your yard bug-free.
In addition to mosquitoes and cockroaches, mantises also target aphids, grasshoppers, caterpillars and other sizable pests that can wreak havoc on plants and gardens. A juvenile mantis’ appetite for aphids is a major advantage, as these tiny sap-sucking insects can quickly decimate crops and ornamental plants. Grasshoppers and caterpillars, notorious for chewing through leaves and damaging greenery, are no match for a hungry adult mantis either.
Food Source
While praying mantises are fierce predators, they’re far from invincible. In fact, they play a critical role in the food chain, serving as both hunter and hunted. Their ability to control pest populations makes them valuable contributors to the ecosystem.
But mantises, too, find themselves on the menu for larger animals. Birds, frogs, bats and even some larger spiders see these stealthy insects as a worthwhile meal. This dynamic keeps the ecosystem in balance, ensuring that mantises don’t overrun their habitats while providing a vital food source for their predators. So, while mantises may seem like the apex predators of the insect world, they’re just one piece of the intricate web that keeps nature balanced.
How to Attract (and Keep) Praying Mantises
To create a welcoming environment for praying mantises in your garden, try these tips:
- Plant native flowers
Wondering what to feed a praying mantis? If they’re living freely in your garden, providing a delectable diet is easy. Opt to add a few shrubs, flowers and tall grasses that naturally attract food sources for mantises.
- Create a water source
Whether it’s a shallow dish of water or a small birdbath, mantises need access to water to thrive. Providing a consistent water source will encourage them to stay in your garden.
- Release egg cases
Praying mantises lay large egg cases, called oothecae, where their eggs develop before hatching. If you’re not seeing mantises in your garden despite your best efforts, consider purchasing an ootheca from a garden supply store. Place it in your garden, and once the nymphs hatch, they’ll begin feasting on smaller pests. As they grow, they’ll move on to larger, more troublesome insects.
Help Keep Unwanted Insects at Bay at the University of Florida
Praying mantises are just one of many misunderstood yet beneficial insect species. If their world (or the larger world of insects) has piqued your interest, consider a career in entomology. The University of Florida offers four distinct specializations:
- Medical Entomology
- Landscape Pest Management
- Urban Pest Management
- Beekeeping
Earn a fully online graduate certificate or graduate degree with a specialization in the area of your choosing. Our programs offer year-round start dates, so you can begin your journey whenever you’re ready. Plus, you’ll be studying with the best: Our program is ranked #1 in the world for entomology and nematology.
Check out our extensive program offerings, and choose the program that aligns with your professional goals.
Sources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/praying-mantis
https://biologydictionary.net/praying-mantis/
https://fortheland.org/praying-mantis/
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/intro3.pdf
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/editorial/pesticides-what-are-the-risks
