The key to survival of any kind is the continuation of the genus. Mantis were not an exception, the mating of which has a number of very unusual features. For the male, unfortunately, this process can end very tragically. Scientists for a long time could not understand where this kind of cruelty comes from in females of this species. However, over time, the answer was found.
So, do you want to know what a female praying mantis does after mating and why does she need it? Well, then it's time to go to the wonderful world of wildlife and see everything with your own eyes.
Mating season
With the advent of August, hormones begin to play in mantis, which activates hidden mechanisms aimed at preparing for the breeding process. In particular, insects begin to actively hunt in order to provide the body with the necessary elements and minerals. Females are especially kind to this task, because they will need to spend a lot of energy on laying eggs.
Closer to September, females, fully prepared for breeding, special pheromones that only mantis males smell in the air are injected into the air. Mating in these insects is a very unusual process, which has many amazing moments. So, males carried away by a smell forget about everything in the world and go towards their beloved.
How do mantis mating
The most interesting thing begins when two insects are at a distance of a closer look. The male, who is inferior in size to the female, realizes that any mistake on his part can lead to a tragic ending.
So, if the female does not like the new gentleman, then she can warm him with a paw. And in the case of praying mantises, such a blow can not only greatly harm health, but also kill a woe-lover. That is why males first study the reaction of the partner, being at a safe distance from her. Sometimes they even perform a small wedding dance in order to show their attractiveness.
If the female does not show aggression, then the males begin the process itself. However, even after this, there is a chance that for a man everything will end very sadly.
