Decimiana rehni facts for kids

Decimiana rehni is a fascinating type of praying mantis. It belongs to the Acanthopidae family, which includes many unique mantis species. These insects are known for their special front legs, which they hold together as if they are praying.

What is Decimiana rehni?

Decimiana rehni is a specific species of praying mantis. It was first described by a scientist named Chopard in 1913. Like all mantises, it is an insect with six legs, a segmented body, and a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton.

Where Do Mantises Live?

Praying mantises, including species like Decimiana rehni, are found all over the world. They prefer warmer climates. You can often spot them in gardens, fields, and forests. They like places with lots of plants where they can hide and hunt. Their amazing camouflage helps them blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

What Do Praying Mantises Eat?

Mantises are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. They are expert hunters! Their diet mainly consists of other insects. This includes flies, moths, crickets, and even grasshoppers. Some larger mantis species can even catch small lizards or frogs.

How Do They Hunt?

Praying mantises are ambush predators. This means they wait patiently for their prey to come close. They use their excellent eyesight to spot movement. Once an unsuspecting insect is within reach, the mantis strikes incredibly fast. Its spiky front legs snap shut like a trap, holding the prey firmly. They then eat their meal using their strong mandibles.

The Life Cycle of a Mantis

The life cycle of a praying mantis has three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This is called incomplete metamorphosis.

From Egg to Adult

Female mantises lay their eggs in a special protective case called an ootheca. This case is often attached to a twig or a plant stem. Inside, many tiny eggs are safe from predators and bad weather. When the weather warms up, the eggs hatch. Out come tiny mantis nymphs. These nymphs look like miniature versions of the adult mantis. They grow by shedding their skin, a process called molting. Each time they molt, they get a little bigger. After several molts, they become full-grown adults.

Amazing Mantis Facts

• Mantises can turn their heads almost 180 degrees. This helps them see all around without moving their bodies.
• They have two large compound eyes and three simple eyes. This gives them excellent vision for hunting.
• Some mantises are masters of disguise. They can look like leaves, twigs, or even flowers to hide from predators and surprise their prey.
• The name "praying mantis" comes from the way they hold their front legs. It looks like they are praying.

See also

In Spanish: Decimiana rehni para niños

• List of mantis genera and species