Praying mantises are predatory insects recognized by their elongated bodies, triangular heads, and distinctive “praying” forelegs. Beyond their hunting prowess, they exhibit unique reproductive behaviors that are a subject of considerable interest.
The Mating Season
Praying mantises typically mate during the warmer months, from late summer into autumn. In temperate regions, activity often begins in spring as temperatures rise and daylight lengthen, continuing through summer. The onset of warmer temperatures and increased daylight serve as environmental cues that stimulate reproductive behavior.
While mating can occur throughout the day, some species, like the Mediterranean mantis and Arizona mantis, show peak mating hours between noon and early evening. Other species, such as the South American dead leaf mantis, may mate shortly after dawn. Though most mating activity is observed during daylight, some mantis species have been noted to mate at night, particularly if males are attracted by female pheromones from a distance.
The Mating Process
The male praying mantis initiates the mating process by cautiously approaching the female, sometimes performing a ritualistic swaying or antenna movements. Females release pheromones, chemical signals that attract males from considerable distances, guiding the male to her location. Once near, the male uses visual cues to locate the female. He then slowly mounts her back, often from behind, and may use his antennae to gently tap her head or thorax, which can help calm her.
Copulation can last for several hours, with some pairings extending up to two days. During this time, the male curls his abdomen beneath the female to connect with her ovipositor and insert his claspers. Sexual cannibalism, where the female consumes the male during or after mating, is a notable aspect of mantis reproduction. While not universal or always sensationalized, this behavior occurs in some species, boosting female egg production by providing nutrients.
Post-Mating and Egg Laying
After successful mating, the female praying mantis produces fertilized eggs within a protective structure called an ootheca, or egg case. This process typically takes a week or two for temperate species, though tropical species may take longer. The ootheca is formed from a frothy substance secreted by glands in the female’s abdomen, which then hardens into a resilient casing. This protective shell shields the developing embryos from predators, harsh weather conditions, and desiccation.
The female meticulously attaches the ootheca to a suitable surface, such as plant stems, twigs, fence posts, or even walls. Oothecae vary in size and appearance depending on the mantis species, but they are generally tan to brown and possess a bubbly, foam-like texture. Each ootheca can contain anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred eggs, with some larger species producing cases holding up to 400 eggs. The eggs remain dormant within the ootheca through winter, hatching into tiny nymphs in the spring when warmer temperatures arrive.