The Praying Mantis: Predator of the Garden

Mantis or Mantid?

We’ve often been asked about the difference between “mantis” or “mantid”? “Mantis” refers only to members of the genus Mantis, like the European mantis, Mantis religiosa. “Mantid” refers to all and any species. In common usage, the terms are essentially used interchangeably and we say, call it what you wish. 

What Do Praying Mantids Eat?

• Often considered a beneficial insect, praying mantids are actually “generalists” (i.e., willing to eat a variety of things) that prey on both bothersome insects and beneficial ones. 
• A carnivore, mantids dine primarily on insects like flies, crickets, moths, grasshoppers, and mosquitoes. They can even feast on prey over three times their size, including small animals such as frogs, lizards, and—yes—even hummingbirds. 
• Because of their voracious appetite for insects, praying mantids are sometimes considered a friend to farmers and gardeners, since they work well as a natural form of pest control. However, keep in mind that they will eat the good bugs, too!
• These insects will even eat each other! In fact, praying mantids are famous for being cannibalistic: a female will sometimes eat a male just after—or even during—mating.
• Although they may eat other beneficial insects (and, occasionally, each other), their preference is for the insects that coincidentally do the greatest damage to crops, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and other small insects.

Non-Native Mantids and Hummingbirds

Recently, mantids have gained some notoriety for preying on larger animals such as lizards or small birds. Generally, the species of mantids native to North America—including the Carolina mantid (Stagmomantis carolina)—are not large enough to take on prey as big as hummingbirds.

However, there are several non-native species—introduced in the 1800s to help control insect pests—that have become naturalized in North America. The Chinese mantis is one of the most widespread and the largest, growing up to 4 inches in length. This species in particular, perhaps in part because of its size, has been known on occasion to catch a hummingbird at a feeder, especially if it is very hungry or if it mistakes the bird for a bee or other insect that seeks the sugar water.

To avoid this unfortunate occurrence, move any hummingbird feeders away from surrounding bushes and branches, so that the mantids are easier for the birds to see. It also can help to add a broad cover over the top of the feeder, to discourage mantids that cannot fly. If you do see a mantid on the feeder, coax it onto a stick and move it gently away.

The other prominent non-native mantid in North America is the European mantis, Mantis religiosa. This mantid is smaller than the Chinese mantid and is generally not a threat to hummingbirds.

How to Tell Carolina, European, and Chinese Mantids Apart

Wondering which praying mantis you’ve seen in your backyard? There are many, many species of mantids in North America, but the three mentioned in this article are the most widespread. Here are the key differences between these species:

Facts About Praying Mantids

• Mantids are found on every continent except Antarctica. Of the 1,800 or so known species, most are between 1 to 3 inches in length. Some tropical species may grow to 8 inches or more, though!
• Most praying mantids are able to fly, although some females might not be able to.
• Mantids have triangular heads and long, flexible necks bend easily, allowing them to turn their heads 180° from side to side, giving them a 300° field of vision. They can spot the slightest movement from up to 60 feet away.
• They have two large, compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them.
• Masters of disguise, praying mantids are rarely seen. They are typically green or brown, but many species will take on the color of their habitat. They may mimic leaves, twigs, flowers, grass, and even other insects. Some tropical species so closely resemble flowers that pollinators will land on them in search of nectar!
• Females will lay hundreds of eggs regulary and the nymphs hatch out looking much like smaller versions of their parents.

Nature’s Perfect Predators

• The strange praying stance of the praying mantid is not an act of reverence but rather the position that this fierce predators takes while patiently waiting to ambush other insects. They are the martial artists of the insect world. 
• Their powerful forelegs are armed with rows of overlapping spikes, which are used to snare their prey and pin it in place while they devour it with strong, sharp mandibles. They use their entire arms like razor blades, with reflexes that are so rapid that they are impossible to gauge with the naked eye.
• With flexible necks and two overdimensioned eyes, praying mantids fixates the distance to their prey rapidly and in 3D. 

Praying Mantis Folklore

• The French once thought that a praying mantis would point a lost child home.
• In some parts of Africa, it is considered good luck if one of these curious creatures lands on you.
• The Greek word mantis means “prophet” or “seer.” Because of the way the insects hold up the fronts of their bodies and position their huge forelegs when at rest, it appears as though they are praying for insight.

As with many of nature’s predators, hunters often become the hunted. The mantid’s natural enemies include birds, bats, spiders, snakes, and lizards. With so many enemies to worry about, perhaps praying mantids actually are saying their prayers!

Learn More

Find out about other fascinating and beneficial insects like fireflies and dragonflies!