Praying mantises are adept at ambushing their prey with their specialized legs and swift reflexes. But when one goes for a Bombardier beetle, it gets a highly unpleasant chemical surprise.

Praying mantises have mastered the art of how not to be seen. Their camouflage has both defensive and offensive applications – it helps them avoid being preyed upon, and it also helps them sneak up on ...

In the arid environment of west-central Iran, a new species of praying mantis was discovered. Pey Khakbaz via Unsplash The feeling of fear is familiar to everyone, from when you hear a peculiar ...

These critters get their name from their kaleidoscope shell—like a peacock’s tail—and their hinged forearms which resemble that of a praying ... put up such a fight. Inspired by mantis ...

Iranian researcher Mahmood Kolnegari has described a new praying ... for up to five minutes, perfectly imitating fallen vegetation. This behavior, known as thanatosis, helps the mantis avoid ...

The larger mantis, known as Solygia sulcatifrons, is one of the longest mantises in the world, measuring up to 20 centimeters in length (nearly 8 inches). This species lives in savannas and other ...

the ghost mantis does so quite easily. This opens up its escape routes, allowing it to cling more strongly to smooth surfaces than other insects. The ghost mantis is relatively docile when handled.