ANT

FACT

TIME

but it’s mantis’s this time

Conehead mantis’s are pretty, and unlike many other insects that survive winter as eggs, they survive as nymphs (basically baby mantis) and reach adulthood when it’s spring time. Both male and female have the unique dragon-like horns on their head, but males a more feathery one that’s used to detect pheromones from the ladies. They’re also considered one of Europes most unique insects and are known as “pink alien of the insect world.” It’s pretty rare to see these lil guys in captivity since they’re harder to take care of compared to other species of mantis. Even though people will say conehead mantis’s are technically less of a cannibal than other mantis’ having more than one in one environment can stress both of them out. What makes them more complicated is they require specific temperature, humidity, and a winter cooling period. They are all very fragile and easily stressed. Conehead mantis’s also eats flying insects and lives in warm, dry places.

Thanks Anton!! I didn't realize they'd be so difficult to keep in captivity, though it makes sense. I feel like mantises are one of those animals that should just be wild haha as cool as they are. They're so gorgeous!! My second favorite mantis :D (first being the orchid mantis :))

Imma drop a few pics of the conehead mantis below this read more, just cuz I think more people should see how rad they look!!

Warning, bug pics below!!

Tell me this isn't an alien invader. I've seen weird creatures, but I think this one wins the award. Its name is impusa pennata, or the conehead mantis. It's a species of praying mantis native to the Mediterranean Region. It can be found in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and on the mediterranean coasts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Turkey and Egypt. Here's a better photo to convince you it's an alien:

David Attenborough Fans

📷: Marta Albareda.

Conehead Mantis - Empusa (Empusa pennata)

Trancoso/Portugal (20/06/2019)

Conehead Mantis - Louva-a-deus ou Empusa (Empusa pennata): male

Trancoso/Portugal (14/06/2013)