Praying Mantises

What Is The Life Cycle Of Praying Mantises?

The life cycle of a praying mantis consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This process is called incomplete metamorphosis because they do not have a pupal stage like butterflies or beetles. The entire cycle typically takes several months to a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Egg Stage (Ootheca)

• After mating, the female lays 100–400 eggs inside a protective foam-like structure called an ootheca.
• The ootheca hardens into a sturdy, brownish case, protecting the eggs from predators and harsh weather.
• Eggs remain in this stage for several weeks to months, with many overwintering and hatching in the spring.

Nymph Stage (Juvenile Mantises)

• When the eggs hatch, small, wingless nymphs emerge, looking like miniature versions of adult mantises.
• In many species, the first thing nymphs do is cannibalize their siblings if food is scarce.
• Nymphs go through multiple molts (shedding their exoskeleton) as they grow, typically 5–10 molts over several weeks or months.
• During this stage, they are voracious hunters, feeding on small insects like fruit flies and aphids.

Adult Stage (Mature Mantis)

• After their final molt, mantises develop fully functional wings (in most species) and are capable of reproduction.
• Adults are larger, stronger hunters, preying on bigger insects and even small vertebrates (frogs, lizards, or hummingbirds in rare cases).
• The lifespan of an adult mantis is typically 6–12 months, though some tropical species may live longer.

Mating & Reproduction

• Males seek out females, often at dusk or night.
• In some species, sexual cannibalism occurs, where the female may eat the male after or even during mating.
• Females lay multiple oothecae throughout their lifespan, ensuring the next generation.

Seasonal Cycle

• In temperate climates, mantises hatch in spring, grow through summer, and die in fall.
• The eggs survive winter and repeat the cycle the next year.

Praying Mantis Diet

Praying mantises are carnivorous predators, feeding primarily on live prey. Their diet depends on their size, species, and life stage, but they generally eat a wide variety of insects and even small vertebrates in some cases.

Diet of Praying Mantises

Nymphs (Young Mantises)

Start by eating tiny insects such as:

• Fruit flies
• Aphids
• Small gnats
• Ants

They must hunt actively because they cannot eat dead prey.

Juvenile & Adult Mantises

As they grow, they consume larger prey, including:

• Flies
• Moths
• Grasshoppers
• Crickets
• Bees
• Butterflies
• Spiders
• Other mantises (cannibalism is common)

Large Mantises & Exotic Species

Some of the largest mantises (e.g., Giant Asian Mantis, Chinese Mantis) may eat:

• Small lizards
• Frogs
• Hummingbirds
• Small rodents (rare)
• Soft-bodied fish (in captivity)

Hunting & Feeding Behavior

• Ambush Predators: Mantises rely on camouflage and stealth, striking quickly when prey comes close.
• Powerful Forelegs: Their spiked raptorial legs hold prey tightly while they eat.
• Live Prey Only: Mantises do not scavenge or eat dead animals.
• Slow Consumption: They eat their prey piece by piece, often starting with the head.

Captive Diet (If Kept as Pets)

Common feeder insects include:

• Fruit flies (for young mantises)
• Houseflies
• Crickets
• Waxworms & mealworms (occasionally)

Avoid feeding:

• Hard-shelled insects (like beetles)
• Toxic insects (like fireflies)