Baby praying mantises, correctly termed nymphs, hatch from a protective foam-like egg case called an ootheca. This hatching is often sudden, with dozens or even hundreds of tiny insects emerging at once. Nymphs are not larvae; they look like miniature versions of their parents from birth, a type of development known as incomplete metamorphosis. This stage progresses through a series of molts before the insect reaches full adulthood.
Tiny Scale and General Shape
The most striking characteristic of a baby mantis is its small size upon hatching, typically 5 to 10 millimeters long. This scale makes them difficult to spot, sometimes compared to an ant or a grain of rice. Despite their size, their body structure is immediately recognizable, featuring a segmented, elongated body and a small, triangular head.
The silhouette is slender, featuring a disproportionately long thorax. Newly hatched nymphs are highly active and capable of jumping to avoid danger and locate food. They begin hunting immediately, preying on small insects like aphids and fruit flies.
Distinguishing Features
The primary difference between a nymph and an adult mantis is the absence of fully developed wings. Nymphs remain wingless, though later instars may show small wing pads or buds indicating future development. The head remains triangular and mobile, perched atop a flexible neck structure that allows them to rotate their gaze.
Their large, bulbous compound eyes provide the stereo-vision necessary to accurately judge the distance to prey. The raptorial forelegs, the “praying” arms, are fully formed and functional from birth. These specialized limbs are equipped with sharp spines, allowing the nymphs to grasp and secure prey.
Color and Early Development
Praying mantis nymphs display a range of colors, most commonly shades of green, brown, or tan, which provides camouflage. Green nymphs blend into foliage, while brown ones match bark or dry grasses. Some early-stage nymphs, particularly in certain species, may even mimic ants to deter predators.
Nymphs grow by undergoing a series of molts, shedding their rigid exoskeleton five to ten times before reaching maturity. The color can sometimes change after a molt, shifting the insect to better match its current surroundings. Only after the final molt does the mantis emerge as an adult with fully expanded wings.