Praying mantises are predatory insects recognized for their distinctive posture, where their forelegs are folded as if in prayer. Like all living organisms, these fascinating creatures require water to survive. Understanding how mantises obtain water is important for appreciating their adaptations in nature and for their care in captivity.
Natural Water Sources
In their natural habitats, praying mantises primarily obtain moisture from environmental sources. They commonly drink dew droplets that form on leaves and other vegetation, particularly during the morning hours. Rainwater also serves as a direct source of hydration, with mantises consuming droplets clinging to surfaces after a rainfall.
Beyond environmental moisture, praying mantises also acquire water through their diet. The hemolymph, or insect blood, of their prey provides a significant amount of hydration. Praying mantises typically do not drink from large standing water sources like ponds or puddles, instead relying on smaller, discrete water sources.
The Drinking Process
Praying mantises consume water using specialized mouthparts. When presented with water droplets, a mantis will use its labium and maxillae to lap up or absorb the liquid. These mouthparts are adapted for handling small, individual droplets rather than large volumes of water. The mantis sips the water, often bending down to reach the drops. This method allows them to efficiently hydrate from the tiny beads of moisture found on leaves and other surfaces in their environment.
Providing Water in Captivity
For praying mantises kept as pets, ensuring adequate hydration is important. Misting the enclosure daily with a fine spray bottle, mimicking the dew and rainwater they would encounter in nature. Mantises will drink the water droplets from the sides of the enclosure or from plants within their habitat. The frequency of misting can vary depending on the mantis species and the ambient humidity, with some species needing misting once or twice a day, while others from drier climates may only need it once a week. Use spring, distilled, or reverse osmosis (RO) filtered water, as tap water may contain harmful chemicals.
While misting is often sufficient, some keepers also provide a small, shallow water dish. If using a dish, it should be shallow with pebbles or a cotton ball to prevent drowning. This also helps maintain enclosure humidity. Another method involves offering water via a dropper, allowing the mantis to drink directly from the droplet. Signs of dehydration include lethargy or a reluctance to move. A thirsty mantis may try to drink from moisture on a handler’s hand.