Praying mantises are fascinating insects that make for unique pets. They come in a variety of colors and sizes with some species growing over 6 inches long. An important aspect of keeping praying mantises is being able to identify the sex of each individual. There are distinct differences between male and female praying mantises that become more apparent as they mature.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about determining the gender of a praying mantis, including:
- Why identifying gender is important for breeding and housing
- When sexual dimorphism becomes apparent
- The main physical differences between males and females
- Behavioral signs and tendencies of each sex
- Tips for accurate gender identification
Why Identify Gender?
There are several reasons why identifying the sex of your praying mantis is useful information for any mantis owner
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Naming – Many owners like to give their pet a gender-specific name. You can’t do this accurately until you know the sex.
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Housing – Male and female praying mantises should not be housed together due to the risk of cannibalism and unwanted breeding.
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Breeding – Breeding requires a male and female. You need to know the gender to pair them up.
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Behavioral Expectations – Males and females behave somewhat differently. Knowing the sex allows you to anticipate their actions.
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Diet – Females require more food as they mature for egg production.
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Lifespan – Females tend to live longer than males. Expectations differ based on gender.
Identifying gender early allows you to provide appropriate housing, pairing, feeding, and care for your praying mantis.
When Does Sexual Dimorphism Occur?
Praying mantises go through 6-9 molts before reaching full adulthood. Sexual dimorphism refers to the distinct physical differences between males and females. These differences start becoming apparent after the 3rd or 4th molt for most species.
Some signs can be observed earlier, but may be difficult to detect with certainty until later molts. By the time a mantis becomes an adult, the gender differences are quite obvious and pronounced.
Physical Differences Between Males and Females
Here are the main physical attributes to look for when identifying male vs female praying mantises:
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Body Size – Females are almost always noticeably larger than males once mature.
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Abdominal Segments – Females have 6 segments, males have 8. Easily counted from below.
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Antennae – Males have longer, thicker antennae. Females have thin, needle-like antennae.
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Wings – Male wings extend beyond the abdomen. Female wings are shorter.
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Body Shape – Females are more broad-bodied. Males are slender.
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Eyes – Males tend to have larger compound eyes than females.
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Final Abdominal Segment – Females have a wider final segment. Males have several small final segments.
With multiple mantises, differences are easier to spot by comparing them side by side. Use these key attributes together to make an accurate determination.
Behavioral Differences Between the Sexes
In addition to physical attributes, male and female praying mantises exhibit some different tendencies and behaviors:
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Flying – Only males can fly. Their longer wings and lighter bodies allow for flight.
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Aggression – Females tend to be more aggressive, especially to males in the same enclosure.
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Cannibalism – Females sometimes eat the male after mating. Males do not exhibit this behavior.
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Movement – Males tend to be faster and more twitchy in their movements. Females are slower and more deliberate.
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Camouflage – Some species have different camouflage between the sexes as adults.
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Egg Laying – Females lay fertilized egg cases while males fertilize them.
These behavioral clues can further confirm the gender in addition to the physical differences.
Tips for Accurate Identification
Follow these tips to improve your chances of correctly identifying the sex of your praying mantis:
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Use multiple signs together – Relying on only one trait can lead to mistakes. Cross-reference.
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Compare across individuals – Side by side comparisons make subtle differences more obvious.
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View from below – Counting abdominal segments is easiest from underneath the mantis.
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Examine after molting – Differences enlarge after each molt.
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Look for changes over time – Track developments as the mantis grows.
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Separate based on assumptions – Housing mantises separately avoids breeding mishaps.
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Seek expert input – Consult experienced mantis keepers if uncertain even after molting.
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Take clear photos – Pictures can be used for second opinions from others.
With patience and by applying these tips, you will eventually be able to definitively identify the gender of your praying mantis. This knowledge will allow you to provide optimal care for your fascinating pet.
Mantis Mating | Wildlife On One: Enter The Mantis | BBC Earth
FAQ
How do I know if my praying mantis is male or female?
The basis principle is simple: female praying mantises have 6 abdominal segments while males have 8. The final segment of the female is much larger than the others while the male has several small segments towards the end of the abdomen.
What color is a male praying mantis?
Sex determination in species-specific praying mantises
First, you can tell the sex by the color of the nuchal band. A brown neckband indicates a male and a green neckband indicates a female. The coloration of the males can be slightly greenish, but never as green as the females.
Can male mantises survive mating?
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Not all males are eaten:While the female mantis is known for eating her mate, it’s not a certainty, and many male mantises do escape being eaten.
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Survival tactics:Some males have evolved strategies to avoid being eaten, such as being quick to grab the female with their forelegs or simply escaping after mating.
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Headless mating:In some cases, a male mantis may be decapitated during mating, but can still continue the mating process, albeit headless.
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Mating for nutrition:The female mantis eats her mate for the protein and nutrients needed to produce her eggs.
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Not all mantis species are cannibalistic:Some species of praying mantises are capable of asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis, meaning the female can produce offspring without mating with a male.
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Male mantis lifespan:Male mantises typically have a shorter lifespan than females, often living only a few months after reaching maturity.
Do praying mantises recognize you?
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Distinguishing Faces:Research indicates that praying mantises can preferentially approach images of human faces over other objects, suggesting they can differentiate between them.
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Personalized Interactions:Some mantis owners report their pets acting differently with them compared to other people, with some mantises seeming to enjoy interaction and even approaching their owners.
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Not a High Level of Intelligence:It’s important to note that while mantises may show some level of recognition, they are not thought to possess a high level of intelligence, and their behaviors are likely based on learned associations and instincts rather than complex cognitive abilities.
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Pseudo-pupil:The mantis’s eye has a small black spot that appears to track your every move, known as a pseudo-pupil, which is an optical illusion, not an intentional behavior.
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Other Senses:Mantises have good vision and can see clearly up to 60 feet, and they can also sense vibrations, which may contribute to their awareness of their surroundings and potential interactions with humans.