Praying mantises are formidable predators known for their distinctive upright posture and effective hunting capabilities. They are efficient carnivores that play a role in various ecosystems by consuming a diverse range of prey.
Primary Insect Prey
Praying mantises primarily consume other insects. They prey on a wide array of common garden insects, including flies, moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. Smaller mantises, often called nymphs, start their diets with tiny insects like fruit flies or aphids, gradually moving to larger prey as they grow. Their diet also extends to butterflies, bees, and wasps. Some species will even consume spiders and cockroaches.
Unusual Vertebrate Targets
Beyond their typical insect diet, praying mantises have been documented preying on larger vertebrate animals. Small frogs and lizards are occasionally captured and consumed by larger mantis species. There are recorded instances of mantises killing and eating small birds, particularly hummingbirds.
This behavior has been observed across 13 countries on nearly all continents, often occurring when hummingbirds visit feeders or nectar sources. In rare cases, some larger mantises have been reported to subdue small rodents like mice. These vertebrate captures are uncommon and typically involve mantises at least 6 centimeters in body length.
Hunting Tactics and Size Limitations
Praying mantises are effective ambush predators, relying on camouflage and stillness to catch their prey. They possess specialized raptorial forelegs, adapted for quickly grasping and holding prey. These powerful legs are equipped with sharp spines that interlock, preventing escape.
Mantises can also rotate their triangular heads up to 180 degrees, allowing them to scan their surroundings for movement without shifting their bodies. Once prey is within striking distance, typically 5 to 10 centimeters, the mantis strikes with lightning speed. Prey is often devoured alive, head first.
Praying mantises generally only attack what they can overpower. The size and strength of the mantis dictate the type of prey it can successfully capture. Their physical limitations prevent them from regularly taking down animals significantly larger than themselves. Larger vertebrates are not a consistent part of their diet, but rather rare, opportunistic catches.
Safety for Humans and Pets
Despite their predatory capabilities, praying mantises pose no danger to humans or pets. They are typically shy and will avoid contact with people. Although a large mantis might deliver a minor pinch if provoked, their bites are rare, non-venomous, and cause little harm. Their mouthparts are not designed to inflict significant injury on anything as large as a human or pet.
Praying mantises are often considered beneficial insects in gardens because they prey on pest insects. However, they are indiscriminate predators and will also consume beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Their hunting focus is on insects and small vertebrates, meaning larger animals like pets are not considered prey.