Page 72 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 72
insects
The insects make up the largest group of animals on the planet. There are
more than one million described species, with many more species that are
yet to be discovered.
All insects have three body parts-the head, thorax and abdomen. In
certain groups of insects these parts may be fused together. Certain baby
(immature) insects do not have all three body parts until they are adults.
Insects have six legs attached to the thorax, one pair of antennae and
one or two pairs of wings. Insects lay eggs and undergo either complete
or incomplete metamorphosis. They are able to adapt to many different
habitats and diets.
Praying Mantis
(Mantodea)
Description
The praying mantis is a large (5 to 7.6
centimeters), elongate, slow-moving
insect that has very large front legs
which it holds in a praying position.
They are able to turn their heads
almost 180 degrees and can look over
their shoulder.
Distribution and Habitat
The praying mantis prefers warm
climates and is usually seen climbing on bushes, trees or any structure where
other insects live. They are found in all five physiographic provinces.
Role in Food Web
Praying mantises are highly predaceous insects and feed on a variety of other
insects including other mantids. Predators include owls, snakes, bullfrogs and
each other.
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The insects make up the largest group of animals on the planet. There are
more than one million described species, with many more species that are
yet to be discovered.
All insects have three body parts-the head, thorax and abdomen. In
certain groups of insects these parts may be fused together. Certain baby
(immature) insects do not have all three body parts until they are adults.
Insects have six legs attached to the thorax, one pair of antennae and
one or two pairs of wings. Insects lay eggs and undergo either complete
or incomplete metamorphosis. They are able to adapt to many different
habitats and diets.
Praying Mantis
(Mantodea)
Description
The praying mantis is a large (5 to 7.6
centimeters), elongate, slow-moving
insect that has very large front legs
which it holds in a praying position.
They are able to turn their heads
almost 180 degrees and can look over
their shoulder.
Distribution and Habitat
The praying mantis prefers warm
climates and is usually seen climbing on bushes, trees or any structure where
other insects live. They are found in all five physiographic provinces.
Role in Food Web
Praying mantises are highly predaceous insects and feed on a variety of other
insects including other mantids. Predators include owls, snakes, bullfrogs and
each other.
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