Acontista fraterna facts for kids

Acontista fraterna is a type of insect known as a mantis. It belongs to the family Acontistidae. Mantises are fascinating creatures often called "praying mantises" because of how they hold their front legs. They are known for being excellent hunters in the insect world.

Discovering Acontista fraterna

Acontista fraterna was first described by scientists Saussure and Zehntner in 1894. This means they were the first to officially name and document this specific type of mantis. Sometimes, this species was also known by another name, Acontista violacea, but Acontista fraterna is the accepted name today.

What is a Mantis?

Mantises are a group of insects that are famous for their unique appearance and hunting skills. They have a long body, a triangular head, and large eyes that help them see very well. Their most special feature is their strong front legs. These legs are spiky and fold up like a pocketknife, ready to grab prey.

Where Do Mantises Live?

Mantises like to live in warm places around the world. You can find them in many different habitats, from forests and grasslands to gardens. They often blend in with their surroundings, like leaves or branches, to surprise their prey. This camouflage helps them stay hidden from both predators and the insects they hunt.

What Do Mantises Eat?

Mantises are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. They are skilled predators and mostly hunt other insects. Their diet can include flies, moths, crickets, and even small lizards or frogs sometimes. They wait patiently for their prey to come close, then quickly snatch it with their powerful front legs.

The Life Cycle of a Mantis

A mantis goes through several stages in its life. It starts as an egg, often laid in a foamy case called an ootheca. This case protects the eggs during the colder months. When the weather gets warmer, tiny mantis nymphs hatch from the eggs. These nymphs look like small versions of adult mantises. They grow by shedding their outer skin, a process called molting. After several molts, they become full-grown adult mantises.

Cool Mantis Facts

• Mantises can turn their heads almost all the way around, about 180 degrees. This helps them look for food or danger without moving their bodies.
• Some mantises are masters of disguise. They can look exactly like flowers, leaves, or twigs to hide from enemies and ambush prey.
• Female mantises are sometimes known to eat the male after mating. This provides extra nutrients for her eggs.

See also

In Spanish: Acontista fraterna para niños