Praying mantises are fascinating predatory insects known for their unique appearance, lightning-fast reflexes, and diverse camouflage strategies. Found across many parts of the world, different mantis types have evolved to blend into flowers, leaves, grass, deserts, and forests. From large, powerful hunters to delicate flower mimics, each mantis plays an important role in controlling insect populations. Understanding the common types of mantises helps with identification and highlights their remarkable adaptations in nature.
1. Praying Mantis
The praying mantis is the most widely recognized mantis type, famous for its upright posture and folded forelegs that resemble prayer. Known as an efficient ambush predator, it plays an important role in controlling insect populations and is commonly found in gardens, fields, and wooded areas around the world.
Identification
- Green or brown elongated body
- Triangular head with large compound eyes
- Long thorax giving a “neck-like” appearance
- Folded, spiny forelegs used for grasping prey
Behavior and Hunting
Praying mantises are sit-and-wait predators. They remain motionless for long periods, striking rapidly when prey comes within reach. Their forelegs snap shut with precision, making escape nearly impossible for insects.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is found across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It thrives in gardens, grasslands, shrubs, forests, and agricultural areas with abundant insect life.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, grasshoppers, moths, beetles, and occasionally small vertebrates such as frogs or lizards. The praying mantis uses vision rather than webs or venom to hunt.
Lifespan and Growth
Praying mantises typically live 6–12 months. They hatch from egg cases called oothecae and grow through several molts before reaching adulthood.
2. Chinese Mantis
The Chinese mantis is one of the largest and most common mantis species, widely introduced for pest control due to its strong hunting abilities. Known for its size and appetite, it is an aggressive predator that adapts well to gardens and open landscapes.
Identification
- Light green to brown elongated body
- Long, slender wings extending past the abdomen
- Narrow thorax with smooth texture
- Large triangular head with prominent eyes
Behavior and Hunting
Chinese mantises are active ambush predators but may also stalk prey slowly. They rely heavily on excellent vision and lightning-fast reflexes to capture insects, often remaining motionless before striking.
Habitat and Range
Originally native to Asia, the Chinese mantis is now widely found across North America and other regions. It prefers fields, gardens, meadows, shrubs, and agricultural areas.
Diet and Feeding
This species feeds on grasshoppers, flies, moths, beetles, and other insects. Due to its large size, it may also prey on smaller mantises and occasional small vertebrates.
Lifespan and Growth
The Chinese mantis typically lives about one year. It develops from egg to adult through several molts, growing significantly larger with each stage.
3. European Mantis
The European mantis is a well-known mantis species recognized for its adaptability and expanding range. It is a skilled ambush predator that blends well into its surroundings and is often seen basking in sunlight while waiting for prey.
Identification
- Green or light brown body
- Broad thorax compared to other mantis species
- Well-developed wings in adults
- Rounded triangular head with large eyes
Behavior and Hunting
European mantises rely on patience and camouflage when hunting. They remain still for long periods and strike quickly when insects move within reach. Adults are capable of short flights, especially when disturbed.
Habitat and Range
This species is native to southern Europe but has spread to many parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. It inhabits grasslands, gardens, hedgerows, and open woodland edges.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, grasshoppers, crickets, moths, and beetles. Larger individuals may consume other mantises or small insects attracted to vegetation.
Lifespan and Growth
The European mantis lives for about 8–12 months. It develops through multiple molts after hatching from an ootheca, reaching maturity by late summer.
4. Carolina Mantis
The Carolina mantis is a smaller, native mantis species commonly found in North America. It is well adapted to local climates and is known for its excellent camouflage, often blending seamlessly with twigs, leaves, and dry vegetation.
Identification
- Gray, brown, or green body coloration
- Shorter wings that may not cover the abdomen
- Slender body with a narrow thorax
- Triangular head with large compound eyes
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis relies heavily on camouflage and patience. It remains motionless while waiting for prey and uses a sudden, precise strike to capture insects that pass nearby.
Habitat and Range
The Carolina mantis is native to the southeastern and central United States. It is commonly found in gardens, shrubs, fields, forest edges, and grassy areas.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet consists mainly of flies, moths, grasshoppers, and other small insects. It occasionally preys on smaller mantises or insects drawn to vegetation.
Lifespan and Growth
The Carolina mantis typically lives less than one year. It hatches in spring, matures by late summer, and completes its life cycle by early fall.
5. Giant Asian Mantis
The Giant Asian mantis is a large and robust mantis species known for its impressive size and powerful hunting ability. It is an adaptable predator that thrives in both natural and human-modified environments, making it one of the more commonly encountered large mantids in Asia.
Identification
- Large green or brown body
- Long wings extending beyond the abdomen
- Thick thorax and strong forelegs
- Broad triangular head with large eyes
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis is an aggressive ambush predator. It often positions itself on vegetation and waits patiently before striking with great speed and force. Its size allows it to overpower larger prey than many other mantis species.
Habitat and Range
The Giant Asian mantis is native to East and Southeast Asia. It inhabits grasslands, gardens, forests, agricultural fields, and shrub-covered areas with abundant insect activity.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes grasshoppers, moths, beetles, flies, and even small vertebrates such as lizards or frogs. It is also known to prey on other mantises when food is scarce.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives around one year. It develops through multiple molts after hatching from an ootheca, reaching full size by late summer or early autumn.
6. African Mantis
The African mantis is a diverse and adaptable group of mantis species found across various regions of Africa. Known for their camouflage and patience, these mantises are effective ambush predators that blend seamlessly into grasses, shrubs, and woodland vegetation.
Identification
- Green, brown, or mottled body coloration
- Slender to moderately robust body shape
- Well-developed raptorial forelegs
- Triangular head with prominent compound eyes
Behavior and Hunting
African mantises rely heavily on camouflage and stillness. They remain motionless for extended periods before striking rapidly when prey moves within reach. Some species display threat postures when disturbed.
Habitat and Range
These mantises are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and parts of North Africa. They inhabit savannas, grasslands, forests, gardens, and agricultural areas with dense insect populations.
Diet and Feeding
Their diet consists mainly of flies, grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and other insects. Larger individuals may occasionally prey on small reptiles or other mantises.
Lifespan and Growth
African mantises generally live 8–12 months. They hatch from oothecae, undergo several molts, and reach adulthood during warmer seasons when food is abundant.
7. Ghost Mantis
The ghost mantis is a uniquely camouflaged species known for its leaf-like appearance, which helps it blend seamlessly into dry foliage. This mantis is popular among enthusiasts due to its unusual shape and calm demeanor, making it one of the most recognizable non-green mantis types.
Identification
- Brown to dark brown body resembling a dead leaf
- Flattened, irregular body edges
- Small crest-like projection on the head
- Curved abdomen with leaf-like lobes
Behavior and Hunting
Ghost mantises rely heavily on camouflage rather than movement. They often sway gently to mimic dead leaves in the wind and strike only when prey comes very close.
Habitat and Range
This species is native to parts of Africa, particularly Madagascar and surrounding regions. It inhabits dry forests, scrublands, and areas with abundant leaf litter.
Diet and Feeding
Ghost mantises feed on flies, moths, crickets, and other small insects. Their subtle hunting style makes them effective ambush predators despite their delicate appearance.
Lifespan and Growth
The ghost mantis typically lives 8–10 months. It grows through multiple molts, with juveniles closely resembling adults even at early stages.
8. Orchid Mantis
The orchid mantis is one of the most visually striking mantis species, famous for its flower-like appearance. This mantis uses aggressive mimicry, blending in with blossoms to ambush pollinating insects that mistake it for part of the plant.
Identification
- White, pink, or purple body coloration
- Broad, petal-like leg lobes
- Thick, flattened body resembling a flower
- Rounded abdomen and short thorax
Behavior and Hunting
Unlike mantises that rely on stillness alone, the orchid mantis actively lures prey through its appearance. It positions itself on flowers and waits for insects to approach before striking with speed and precision.
Habitat and Range
The orchid mantis is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It inhabits tropical forests, flowering plants, and lush vegetation.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet consists mainly of butterflies, bees, flies, and other pollinating insects. The mantis’ disguise increases hunting success by drawing prey directly toward it.
Lifespan and Growth
Orchid mantises typically live around 9–12 months. They undergo multiple molts, with coloration becoming more vivid as they mature.
9. Dead Leaf Mantis
The dead leaf mantis is a master of camouflage, closely resembling dried leaves in both shape and color. This adaptation allows it to remain nearly invisible in forest litter and dry vegetation while waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Identification
- Brown, tan, or mottled body resembling a dry leaf
- Flattened body with jagged, leaf-like edges
- Curved abdomen with vein-like patterns
- Triangular head with muted coloration
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis relies almost entirely on camouflage and patience. It often remains motionless for long periods, swaying slightly to mimic a leaf moved by wind before striking suddenly.
Habitat and Range
Dead leaf mantises are found in parts of Asia and Africa. They inhabit dry forests, woodland floors, and areas with heavy leaf litter.
Diet and Feeding
Their diet includes flies, moths, crickets, beetles, and other small insects that move close to leaf-covered ground.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives 8–12 months. It hatches from an ootheca and goes through several molts, maintaining its leaf-like appearance throughout development.
10. Flower Mantis
The flower mantis is a visually adapted mantis that mimics blossoms to ambush insects drawn to flowers. Unlike leaf-mimicking species, this mantis often uses brighter colors and petal-like body parts to blend into flowering plants and increase hunting success.
Identification
- White, pink, yellow, or green body coloration
- Petal-like lobes on legs
- Broad, flattened body shape
- Rounded abdomen and short thorax
Behavior and Hunting
Flower mantises use aggressive mimicry, positioning themselves among blossoms where pollinating insects are active. They remain still until prey comes within striking distance, then capture it with fast, powerful forelegs.
Habitat and Range
These mantises are mainly found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. They inhabit flowering plants, shrubs, gardens, and forest edges with abundant insect activity.
Diet and Feeding
Their diet primarily includes bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators. The flower-like appearance helps lure prey directly toward the mantis.
Lifespan and Growth
Flower mantises usually live between 8 and 12 months. They develop through several molts, with juveniles gradually developing more pronounced flower-like features as they mature.
11. Shield Mantis
The shield mantis is known for its broad, flattened body that resembles a protective shield or leaf. This unique shape helps it blend into foliage while also making it appear larger to predators. It is a calm ambush predator that relies on camouflage more than movement.
Identification
- Broad, flattened body resembling a shield
- Green or brown coloration
- Wide pronotum covering much of the thorax
- Shorter, sturdy legs compared to slender mantises
Behavior and Hunting
Shield mantises are patient hunters that remain motionless for extended periods. They depend on surprise rather than speed, striking only when prey comes within close range.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is primarily found in parts of Asia and Africa. It inhabits forests, shrubs, and leafy vegetation where its body shape blends naturally with leaves.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, and other insects. The shield-like body helps it remain concealed while waiting for prey to approach.
Lifespan and Growth
Shield mantises generally live around 8–12 months. They hatch from oothecae and undergo several molts, maintaining their flattened appearance throughout development.
12. Spiny Flower Mantis
The spiny flower mantis is a small but striking species known for its decorative spines and flower-like appearance. It uses both camouflage and visual mimicry to blend into flowering plants, making it an effective ambush predator despite its delicate size.
Identification
- Cream, yellow, or white body coloration
- Prominent spines on legs and body
- Petal-like leg lobes
- Compact, lightweight body
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis relies on stillness and disguise rather than speed. It positions itself on flowers and waits patiently for pollinating insects to approach before striking with precision.
Habitat and Range
Spiny flower mantises are native to parts of Africa, particularly eastern and southern regions. They inhabit flowering shrubs, grasslands, and open woodland areas.
Diet and Feeding
Their diet mainly consists of flies, bees, butterflies, and other small insects attracted to flowers. The mantis’ appearance helps lure prey into close range.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives around 6–10 months. It develops through several molts, gradually developing more pronounced spines and coloration as it matures.
13. Devil’s Flower Mantis
The Devil’s Flower mantis is one of the most dramatic and visually intimidating mantis species, known for its bold colors and aggressive threat displays. Despite its fearsome name, it relies on camouflage and mimicry to ambush prey rather than constant aggression.
Identification
- White, green, and purple body coloration
- Large petal-like leg lobes
- Broad, flattened body resembling a flower
- Highly visible eyespots on inner forelegs
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis is both an ambush predator and an active visual deterrent. When threatened, it raises its forelegs and spreads them wide to expose bright warning colors and eyespots, making it appear larger and more dangerous.
Habitat and Range
The Devil’s Flower mantis is native to eastern and southern Africa. It inhabits tropical forests, flowering plants, shrubs, and areas with dense vegetation where it can blend in among blossoms.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects. The flower-like appearance attracts prey, allowing the mantis to strike at very close range.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives between 8 and 12 months. It develops through multiple molts, with coloration and threat displays becoming more pronounced as it matures.
14. Conehead Mantis
The conehead mantis is named for the distinctive cone-shaped projection on its head, which helps it blend into tall grasses and stems. This mantis is slender, agile, and well adapted to life in open, grassy habitats where vertical camouflage is essential.
Identification
- Slender green or brown body
- Noticeable cone-shaped head projection
- Long, narrow wings
- Thin legs adapted for gripping grass stems
Behavior and Hunting
Conehead mantises rely on camouflage and height advantage. They position themselves along tall grasses, remaining upright and still before striking quickly at passing insects.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is found in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It prefers grasslands, savannas, meadows, and agricultural fields with tall vegetation.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes grasshoppers, flies, moths, and other insects that move through grass. The conehead mantis uses vision and patience rather than speed to hunt.
Lifespan and Growth
Conehead mantises generally live about one year. They hatch from oothecae and develop through several molts, gradually elongating as they mature.
15. Grass Mantis
The grass mantis is a slim, well-camouflaged species adapted to blend seamlessly into tall grasses and reeds. Its narrow body and muted coloration make it difficult to spot, allowing it to ambush prey effectively in open, grassy environments.
Identification
- Slender green or brown body
- Narrow thorax and elongated abdomen
- Long legs adapted for gripping grass stems
- Subtle coloration with minimal markings
Behavior and Hunting
Grass mantises rely heavily on camouflage and stillness. They align their bodies with grass blades and remain motionless, striking quickly when insects move within reach.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is commonly found in grasslands, meadows, savannas, wetlands, and agricultural fields. It is distributed across parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, depending on species.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet consists mainly of flies, grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects that move through grassy vegetation. The mantis uses precise timing rather than pursuit to capture prey.
Lifespan and Growth
Grass mantises typically live 8–12 months. They hatch from egg cases attached to vegetation and go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
16. Desert Mantis
The desert mantis is specially adapted to survive in hot, dry environments where vegetation is sparse and temperatures are extreme. Its body coloration and behavior help it blend into sandy or rocky surroundings while conserving energy and moisture.
Identification
- Pale tan, sandy, or light brown body
- Slim, elongated body shape
- Reduced markings for camouflage
- Long legs adapted for hot terrain
Behavior and Hunting
Desert mantises are patient ambush predators that limit movement to conserve energy. They often remain still for long periods, striking only when prey comes very close. Activity is usually higher during cooler parts of the day.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is found in deserts and semi-arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It inhabits sandy plains, dry scrublands, and rocky desert edges.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects adapted to desert life. The mantis relies on precise timing rather than speed to secure prey.
Lifespan and Growth
Desert mantises typically live around 6–10 months. They develop through several molts, with coloration becoming lighter as they mature to better match desert surroundings.
17. Unicorn Mantis
The unicorn mantis is named for the single horn-like projection on its head, which gives it a distinctive and almost mythical appearance. This feature helps break up its outline, improving camouflage among twigs, leaves, and uneven vegetation.
Identification
- Green or brown body coloration
- Single horn-like projection on the head
- Slender body with long limbs
- Narrow wings closely folded over the abdomen
Behavior and Hunting
Unicorn mantises are quiet ambush predators that rely on disguise rather than movement. They often remain completely still, using their head projection to blend into plant shapes before striking suddenly at close-range prey.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is found mainly in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. It inhabits forests, shrubs, woodland edges, and areas with complex vegetation where visual camouflage is effective.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes flies, moths, beetles, and other small insects. The mantis captures prey with rapid foreleg strikes, relying on timing rather than pursuit.
Lifespan and Growth
The unicorn mantis typically lives around 8–12 months. It grows through several molts, with the horn becoming more defined as it matures.
18. Budwing Mantis
The budwing mantis is a small, compact species known for its short wings that resemble unopened flower buds. This subtle appearance helps it blend into vegetation, especially among young shoots and dense plant growth.
Identification
- Small body size
- Short, bud-like wings
- Green or brown coloration
- Rounded abdomen and compact build
Behavior and Hunting
Budwing mantises rely on stealth and stillness. They often perch on plant stems or buds, waiting patiently before striking prey that comes within close range.
Habitat and Range
This mantis is commonly found in parts of Africa and Asia. It prefers shrubs, young plants, forest edges, and gardens with dense vegetation.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet consists of small insects such as flies, aphids, moths, and tiny beetles. The budwing mantis targets prey proportional to its smaller size.
Lifespan and Growth
Budwing mantises typically live around 6–9 months. They develop through multiple molts, with wings remaining short even in adulthood.
19. Giant Shield Mantis
The giant shield mantis is a large, heavily built species known for its wide, shield-like body that provides excellent camouflage among broad leaves. Its size and intimidating appearance make it a dominant ambush predator within its environment.
Identification
- Large, broad, shield-shaped body
- Green or brown coloration
- Wide pronotum covering much of the thorax
- Strong, thick raptorial forelegs
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis relies on stillness and visual disguise rather than speed. It positions itself among large leaves and strikes forcefully when prey moves close enough to capture.
Habitat and Range
Giant shield mantises are found mainly in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. They inhabit forests, dense shrubs, and leafy vegetation with large plant surfaces.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet includes grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and other large insects. Due to its size, it may also prey on smaller mantises or other arthropods.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives 9–12 months. It grows through multiple molts, gradually developing its broad, shield-like shape as it matures.
20. Malaysian Orchid Mantis
The Malaysian orchid mantis is a visually striking mantis closely related to other flower-mimicking species. It is best known for its petal-like limbs and soft coloration, which allow it to blend seamlessly into flowering plants while ambushing unsuspecting pollinators.
Identification
- White to pale pink body coloration
- Broad, petal-shaped leg lobes
- Thick, flower-like body shape
- Rounded abdomen with smooth texture
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis uses aggressive mimicry rather than movement. By resembling part of a flower, it attracts insects that approach closely, allowing the mantis to strike with speed and precision.
Habitat and Range
The Malaysian orchid mantis is native to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and nearby regions. It inhabits tropical forests, flowering shrubs, and lush garden environments.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet consists mainly of butterflies, bees, flies, and other pollinating insects. The mantis’ disguise increases hunting success by drawing prey directly toward it.
Lifespan and Growth
This species typically lives around 9–12 months. As it matures through several molts, its coloration and petal-like features become more pronounced.
21. Indian Flower Mantis
The Indian flower mantis is a colorful mantis species adapted for life among blossoms and flowering vegetation. Its body shape and coloration help it blend naturally into flowers, allowing it to ambush insects that are attracted to bright colors and nectar sources.
Identification
- White, yellow, pink, or green body coloration
- Petal-like lobes on legs
- Broad, flattened body
- Rounded abdomen with smooth texture
Behavior and Hunting
This mantis relies on aggressive mimicry rather than movement. It positions itself on or near flowers and remains still, striking rapidly when pollinating insects approach within reach.
Habitat and Range
The Indian flower mantis is native to India and surrounding parts of South Asia. It inhabits tropical forests, gardens, shrubs, and areas with abundant flowering plants.
Diet and Feeding
Its diet mainly includes flies, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The mantis’ flower-like appearance increases hunting success by drawing prey closer.
Lifespan and Growth
Indian flower mantises typically live 8–12 months. They develop through several molts, with coloration and flower-like features becoming more pronounced as they mature.
FAQs
1. Are mantises dangerous to humans?
No, mantises are not dangerous to humans. They may bite if handled roughly, but bites are harmless and rare.
2. Do all mantis species have wings?
Most adult mantises have wings, but some species have short or reduced wings, and a few females are flightless.
3. What do mantises eat in the wild?
Mantises mainly eat insects such as flies, grasshoppers, moths, and beetles. Larger species may also eat small reptiles or amphibians.
4. How long do mantises live?
Most mantis species live between 6 and 12 months, depending on species, climate, and availability of food.
5. Are mantises beneficial for gardens?
Yes, mantises help control insect populations, but they are general predators and may also eat beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
