Praying Mantis Male vs Female: Unveiling the Differences

Praying mantises are fascinating insects known for their distinctive appearance and predatory nature. One of the intriguing aspects of these insects is the difference in size, color, and behavior between male and female mantises.

Male and female praying mantises display variations in their physical attributes like size and wings. Females are generally larger and stouter, while males have a more slender build. For instance, the flightless Carolina female mantis has ¾ length wings, whereas the slender male flies well ¹.

There are also some behavioral differences, especially during mating. The female emits a hormone when she is ready to mate, and the male cautiously approaches due to the risk of being mistaken as prey by the female ². This complex interaction highlights the unique characteristics that differentiate male and female praying mantises.

Physical Differences Between Male and Female Praying Mantises

Body Size and Shape

• Male praying mantises are generally smaller and more slender than their female counterparts.
• Female mantises are larger and stouter, especially in the case of the Carolina mantis.

Antennae

• Male mantises have longer and more delicate antennae.
• Female mantises have shorter and thicker antennae.

Wings

• Males typically have longer wings that extend beyond their abdomen, allowing them to fly well.
• Females often have shorter wings, like in the case of the flightless Carolina mantis with ¾ length wings.

Color

• Both male and female mantises can have various color phases, such as brown, green, or yellowish.
• European mantis and Chinese mantis show color variations in both sexes.

Behavioral Differences

Cannibalistic Behavior

Cannibalism is a well-known behavior in praying mantises, especially during mating. In some cases, the female mantis may consume her male partner after copulation. However, this is not always the case, and it has been found that males often escape after mating and can mate with multiple females.

Cannibalistic behavior is predominantly driven by the female’s nutritional needs and reproductive requirements.

Preying and Ambush Strategies

Praying mantises are skilled predators that primarily rely on ambush techniques to capture their prey. Both male and female mantises employ similar strategies:

• Camouflaging themselves in vegetation
• Waiting patiently to stalk their prey
• Quickly snatching their prey with their forelegs

Examples of common prey items include grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects. The main difference between males and females in this aspect lies in their size and physical appearance, which can affect their ability to blend into the surroundings.

Mating and Copulation

Males and females of praying mantises exhibit different behaviors during mating and copulation. The male praying mantis typically searches for a mate, while the female remains stationary and releases pheromones to attract a partner.

The mating process itself involves the male mounting the female, transferring sperm, and fertilizing the eggs. After fertilization, the female produces a protective case called an ootheca, which houses the developing praying mantis nymphs.

In summary, male and female praying mantises share many behavioral similarities, such as their preying and ambush strategies. Their primary differences lie in the female’s cannibalistic tendencies during mating, their body sizes, and their distinct roles in the mating process.

Identifying Male and Female Praying Mantises

Segment Counting Method

One method to distinguish male and female praying mantises is through the segment counting method. Males typically have 8 abdominal segments, while females have 6. To count the segments:

• Gently hold the mantis upside-down
• Carefully count the segments on the underside of the abdomen

Using a Magnifying Glass

Another way to determine the sex of a praying mantis is by examining their eyes using a magnifying glass. Male mantises usually have larger and rounder eyes, while females tend to have smaller eyes that are more oval-shaped.

Visual Differences

There are additional visual differences between male and female praying mantises:

Size

• Males: Usually smaller and more slender
• Females: Generally larger and bulkier

Wings

• Males: Wings generally extend beyond the abdomen
• Females: Wings often cover less of the abdomen

Flying

• Males: Better at flying due to their lighter build
• Females: Less adept at flying, especially when carrying eggs

By examining these features, distinctions between male and female praying mantises can be made more apparent. Understanding these differences in sexual dimorphism aids in the effective identification of mantis sexes, ensuring accurate observations in both casual and scientific settings.