David Element's Wildlife Web Page Orthopteroids 16

David Element

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______ Orthopteroids 16 - Empusid Mantids 1

EMPUSID MANTIS Empusa pennata (NYMPH)

EMPUSID MANTIS Empusa pennata

Although adult Empusid Mantids Empusa pennata are only slightly less robust than Praying Mantids Mantis religiosa they tend to tackle smaller prey and the females do not kill their mates when pairing. However, the adult mantis shown above was observed and filmed on three consecutive days near Cantobre in the South of France lying in wait on the same thistle and stalking its prey. During this period three butterflies were taken, two Chalkhill Blues Lysandra coridon and a Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma. Although the mantis started chewing each of these butterflies they all managed to wriggle free, probably because the scales became loose and prevented the mantis from sustaining its grip. For some time afterwards a stray insect leg remained attached to the mantid's pointed head! The Silver-spotted Skipper managed to fly away with apparently little damage done but the Chalkhill Blues were not quite so lucky - whether they survived was another matter. They were certainly caught with considerable ease and lightning speed. Butterflies often lose parts of their wings (thorns, birds, etc.), and they may still be capable of flight with quite large chunks missing. However, damage to the head or body would probably be fatal as vital organs would be damaged. Other captives included a small fly and an unidentified plume moth (see above) which was patiently stalked prior to capture and either too small or weak to wriggle free. Unsuccessful pursuits of a colourful Meloid Beetle Mylabris variabilis and a Sphecid Wasp Podalonia affinis (see second photograph above) were also observed. Empusid Mantids survive the winter months as young nymphs (these may probably be mistaken for stick insects - they are certainly wonderfully well camouflaged) and therefore adults and young of these long-lived insects may be observed together during the late summer months.