Mantises belong to the insect order Mantodea, named “praying mantis” due to the collective posture of their folded forelimbs. This order represents a highly successful lineage of predators, characterized by significant morphological and behavioral diversity. The Mantodea order currently comprises over 2,400 known species. This classification is a dynamic field, and entomologists worldwide continue to document and understand the breadth of life forms included in this group.
The Current Global Species Count
The precise count of known mantis species stands at over 2,400, organized into approximately 430 genera. This estimate is constantly evolving due to ongoing fieldwork, which frequently leads to the discovery of previously unknown species in tropical biomes.
Genetic analysis also alters the total number through reclassification. For instance, molecular techniques often reveal that a single widespread species is actually a complex of several distinct, yet morphologically similar, species (cryptic speciation). Conversely, taxonomic work can result in the synonymization of two names, slightly reducing the overall count.
The Taxonomic Structure of Mantodea
The Mantodea order organizes its thousands of species into a hierarchical structure that has seen substantial revision. Historically, nearly all species were grouped into the single family Mantidae. Modern phylogenetic studies have refined this classification, and the order is now generally divided into 15 to 33 distinct families, representing different evolutionary branches.
The family Mantidae remains one of the largest and most widely distributed groups, but it now encompasses only a fraction of the total species. The splitting of the traditional grouping was necessary because it was found to be polyphyletic, meaning it included species without a single common ancestor. Newer families, such as the Hymenopodidae (which includes flower mantises), are recognized based on specific anatomical and genetic markers.
The earliest diverging lineages often contain only a single genus, such as the Neotropical family Chaeteessidae. These deeper splits in the evolutionary tree are defined by subtle, yet phylogenetically important, differences in external male genitalia and other minute morphological features.
Geographic Hotspots and Distribution
The global distribution of mantis species is heavily concentrated in tropical and subtropical latitudes, which offer warm, stable climates and abundant prey. Significant hotspots for diversity include the rainforests of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The concentration of species means many mantis families are restricted to a single continent or climate zone. For example, bark mantises are primarily found in the Americas, while the Amorphoscelidae family is diversified across Africa and Asia. The number of species drops dramatically in temperate zones, with North America and Europe hosting only a small fraction of the world’s mantis species.
The few species that thrive in temperate climates, such as the European mantis, often exhibit wide ranges. Their ability to survive colder months is linked to their life cycle, which involves overwintering as a protective egg case (ootheca). Climate change is also influencing distribution, allowing thermophilic species like the European mantis to expand their range further north.
Defining Biological Characteristics
All members of the Order Mantodea share distinct physical traits defining them as specialized ambush predators. The most recognizable trait is the raptorial forelegs, adapted for catching and securely holding prey. These forelegs feature a long coxa, which contributes to rapid strike action and reach.
The main grasping mechanism involves the femur and tibia, which are lined with sharp, intermeshing spines. When prey is within range, the tibia snaps shut against the femur, locking the victim in place. This adaptation allows them to subdue insects much larger than themselves, and occasionally small vertebrates.
Another defining feature is the triangular head, attached to the thorax by a highly flexible neck. This structure allows the mantis to rotate its head almost 180 degrees, a capability unique among insects. This mobility provides an exceptional field of vision, enabling them to scan their environment without moving their body and risking broken camouflage.