Special rituals observed by praying mantises: mating on the verge of life and death

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:53

The key to the survival of any species is procreation. Praying mantises were no exception, the mating of which has a number of very unusual features. For the male, unfortunately, this process can end very tragically. Scientists for a long time could not understand why such cruelty in females of this species. However, over time, the answer was found.

So, you want to know what the female praying mantis does after mating and why does she need it? Well, then it's time to go to the wonderful world of wildlife and see everything with your own eyes.

Mating season

When August arrives, the praying mantis' hormones begin to play, which activates hidden mechanisms aimed at preparing for the breeding process. In particular, insects begin to actively hunt in order to provide the body with the necessary elements and minerals. Females are especially reverent about this task, because they will need to expend a lot of energy to lay their eggs.

Toward September, the females, fully prepared forbreeding, they spray special pheromones into the air, which only male praying mantises can smell. Mating in these insects is a very unusual process that has many amazing moments. So, the males, carried away by the smell, forget about everything in the world and go towards their beloved.

How praying mantises mate

The fun begins when two insects are within close range. The male, who is inferior to the female in size, realizes that any oversight on his part can lead to a tragic ending.

So, if the female does not like the new gentleman, then she can beat him with her paw. And in the case of praying mantises, such a blow can not only greatly harm he alth, but also kill a would-be lover. That is why males first study the reaction of their partner, being at a safe distance from her. Sometimes they even do a little mating dance to show off their cuteness.

If the female does not show aggression, then the males start the process itself. However, even after that, there is a chance that everything will end very sadly for a man.

Bloodthirsty female praying mantis

Many are familiar with the notoriety that surrounds the females of these insects. We are talking about the fact that they can bite off the head of their boyfriends after mating. Why is this happening and are all males in for a similar fate?

In order to lay eggs, females need to stock up on a lot of protein. And if they failed to get it during a normal hunt, thenthe only way out is to bite off a piece from the gentleman. But if the lady is not hungry, then the men have nothing to worry about: everything will end quite well.

But in any case, all praying mantises are familiar with the laws of nature. Mating is the only way to survive, which means the males will have to risk their lives for the greater good.