Praying mantises are fascinating insects, known for their predatory habits and distinctive appearance. Their triangular heads, large eyes, and elongated bodies make them easily recognizable. But did you know that male and female praying mantises are quite different?
This difference, where males and females of the same species have distinct characteristics, is called “sexual dimorphism.” It’s found throughout the animal kingdom.
We’re going to explore the key differences between the female vs male praying mantis, including variations in size, physical features, and behavior.
General Physical Differences Between Male and Female Praying Mantises
While many praying mantis species look similar, there are a few key differences that may help you tell the boys from the girls.
Size and Build
Female mantises tend to be larger and more heavily built than males. This larger size allows them to produce more eggs. Males are usually smaller and more slender, which makes them more agile and better able to fly when looking for a mate.
Abdominal Characteristics
Females often have a rounder, broader abdomen to accommodate egg development. Males tend to have a slimmer, more elongated abdomen.
Wing Morphology
Male mantises usually have wings that extend beyond the abdomen, giving them better flight capabilities. Female mantises often have shorter wings that don’t extend past the abdomen. This is because flight is less important for females, since they are less mobile.
How to tell male vs. female praying mantises apart
If you’re trying to figure out whether your mantis is male or female, here are a few things to look for:
Abdominal segments
Male praying mantises usually have more abdominal segments than females do. Males typically have eight segments on their abdomens, while females usually have six. Counting the segments is a pretty trustworthy way to tell them apart.
Anal cerci
The anal cerci are sensory appendages located at the end of the abdomen. Differences in the shape and placement of the anal cerci can be a sign of gender. The male’s anal cerci may be more noticeable or shaped differently than the female’s.
Antennae
The males often have antennae that are longer and thicker than the females’ antennae. That’s because the males use their longer antennae to detect pheromones released by the females when they’re ready to mate.
The females’ antennae tend to be shorter and thinner because they rely more on seeing prey up close and less on detecting pheromones from far away.
How do male and female mantises behave differently?
Male mantises tend to be more timid and cautious than females, and for good reason: they might get eaten by the female.
Females, on the other hand, are more aggressive and predatory, which is linked to their need for nutrients to produce eggs. They may even see the male as a source of those nutrients.
Male mantises are also flightier. If you startle them, they’re more likely to fly away to escape. This is also related to the risk of being eaten.
Finally, males perform elaborate dances to attract females. This is unique to males.
Species-Specific Variations
It’s important to understand that sexual dimorphism — the visible differences between males and females — varies a lot between praying mantis species. What’s true for one kind of mantis might not be true for another.
For example, in the Giant Asian mantis, females are noticeably larger than the males. And female Orchid mantises have broader, more decorative bodies than males.
But in some species, the differences are much more subtle. You might only see slight variations in color or the length of their wings.
Because of this, it’s super important to check species-specific care guides when you’re trying to figure out if your mantis is male or female. These guides will give you the most accurate information for your particular type of mantis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a male or female praying mantis brown?
Praying mantises come in various colors, including brown, green, and even pink! Color isn’t a reliable way to tell males and females apart. Both sexes can be brown, depending on their species and environment. They use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings, so their color will often match the plants and foliage in their habitat.
What color is a female praying mantis?
A female praying mantis can be green, brown, or another color depending on her species and her environment. Color is not a reliable way to determine a praying mantis’s sex. Both males and females have the same coloring, and the coloring depends on which species of mantis it is.
What’s the difference between a boy praying mantis and a girl praying mantis?
The main differences lie in their size and abdomen segments. Females are typically larger and have a broader abdomen than males. You can count the segments on their abdomen: females usually have six, while males have eight. Also, in some species, the female may eat the male after or even during mating, though this isn’t always the case! Size and segment count are your best bet for telling them apart.
To Conclude
While both male and female praying mantises are fascinating creatures, they have some key differences. In general, females are larger than males and have more abdominal segments. Male praying mantises tend to have longer, bushier antennae than females, and their behavior during mating is quite different.
It’s important to remember that specific characteristics vary among species, so the best way to tell males and females apart depends on the type of praying mantis you’re observing.
These differences play an important role in the praying mantis’s life cycle. The distinct roles of males and females in reproduction and survival contribute to the ongoing success of these amazing insects.