4 Majestic Mantises of Asia l Magnificent

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we’ve prepared about these 4 Majestic Mantises of Asia. It was certainly our great pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

Certainly, however, these few species listed herein represent only a portion of the wonders found in this region. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the marvels that abound in the area. Check out our other articles for similar marvels.

Chinese Mantis

Chinese Mantis Facts

The first species appearing in this article about these 4 Majestic Mantises of Asia is the fascinating insect known by the term of Chinese Mantis.
This specific variety of mantis goes by the simple common name for very good reasons. For the moment, the creature has no other accepted general names, unlike many of its kindred. The particular term, however, remains somewhat deceptive in nature.
The official scientific name for the arthropod, though, is somewhat hard to pronounce. That’s because it goes by the technical term of Tenodera sinensis. Regardless of the term one chooses to use, it represents yet another magnificent form of mantid.
The first known formal recognition of this marvelous invertebrate as a separate and distinct species occurred in 1871. This further took place as a direct result of the body of work of the esteemed French entomologist, Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure.
Fortunately, the Chinese Mantis appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This trend also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, presently has no listing for it on its Red List.
The fabulous insect nevertheless must be facing at least some dangers. Habitat loss, for one, remains at threat to its wild population, though it’s also sold in the pet trade. The danger of climate change, however, likely poses the greatest threat to its existence.

Chinese Mantis, Tenodera sinensis — Source: https://bit.ly/3r63TVy Photo: James St. John CCL: https://bit.ly/3r9pPz1

Chinese Mantis Physical Description

The fantastic Chinese Mantis, like its many kin, is an intriguing and impressive creation of evolution. Unlike many other insects, though, this species does not display any noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic on sexual dimorphism.

The genders, therefore, can be quite difficult for the untrained eye to tell apart. That’s true both in terms of appearance and size. In its particular case, it’s especially captivating for its sheer size, however. That’s because it ranks as one the largest known mantids.

Mature adults, more specifically, sometimes reach lengths of as much as 5 in (12.7 cm). The overall body shape, though, remains quite slender, like others of its kind. Its head further displays the triangular shape and over-large eyes so common to mantises.

The general color pattern of the Chinese Mantis also varies significantly between individuals. This usually consists of various shades of light green and tan, however. Many further display a darker green stripe, that extends across most of the sides of the arthropod.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Mantidae
Genus: Tenodera
Species: T. sinensis

Chinese Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The stunning Chinese Mantis, fortunately, occupies a moderately large portion of the globe. More precisely, the invertebrate evolved as native to a specific portion of Asia. The marvel of Nature also appears in small populations on nearby islands, as well.

The range it naturally occupies mainly includes the regions of China, Japan, Thailand, Micronesia, and the Korean Peninsula. In 1896, however, a worker in a nursery accidentally introduced this invertebrate into the United States, in North America.

Wherever the insect appears, though, it displays specific preferences in the basic nature of its choice of habitat. That’s due to the fact that it appears almost solely in temperate regions. This mainly includes forest, but sometimes includes parks and even yards.

Like other mantids, the captivating Chinese Mantis evolved as carnivorous in nature. It generally feeds opportunistically, and as an ambush predator, like its kindred. Its prey mainly includes small insects such as spiders, grasshoppers, bees, and katydids.

Its relatively great size, however sets it apart from others in yet another manner. Due to this advantage, it sometimes captures and consumes larger prey. Adult females, in fact, sometimes catch prey such as small amphibians, reptiles, and even hummingbirds.

In the wild, sexual cannibalism seems to be especially prevalent in this species. In fact, nearly 50% of all matings end in this. Its own natural predators, meanwhile, consist of such species as numerous birds, other mantises, and the Asian Giant Hornet.

European Mantis

European Mantis Facts

Given its name, the appearance of the European Mantis in this listing of 4 Majestic Mantises of Asia likely comes as a surprise to many.
Intriguingly. this term for the insect serves as one of the common names of a particularly large variety of the amazing mantis. However, this extremely fascinating insect also goes by the other frequently used common name of the praying mantis.
It’s perhaps also of interest that many people often employ the latter term for all types of mantises, regardless of origin. Meanwhile, the scientific name of this extremely impressive creature remains the relatively simple to pronounce Mantis religiosa.
Regardless of which term used to refer to it, this species, like most of its relatives, often fascinates many people. In point of fact, quite often, this species represents the archetype of all mantises, in the minds of individuals, when polled on the topic.
Although not endemic to North America, this remarkable arthropod eventually became introduced into the region. Although no proof exists, many experts believe this introduction occurred accidentally, via shipping containers.
It’s also believed that this introduction, whether it was accidental or otherwise, occurred near the end of the 19th century. Regardless of how it occurred though, it has now spread incredibly. This has had a beneficial result for it.
Quite fortunately, the incredible European Mantis appears to be maintaining a sufficiently stable population. This further appears to be true throughout the majority of its range. This places it in the small group of species to make that claim.
The IUCN,therefore, presently lists it as Least Concern. This status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. Like many species, this animal nevertheless may be considered to be at risk, due to the ongoing effects of climate change.

European Mantis, Mantis religiosa — Source: https://bit.ly/2xSl1YB Public Domain Image

European Mantis Physical Description

Although not the largest of all known mantids, the gorgeous European Mantis nevertheless stands out from the crows. In point of fact, it does rank among the larger varieties. However, differences in physical sizes quite frequently occur among individuals.

But, this holds true due to a remarkably common trait. That’s the fact that this species, like most related creatures, displays a certain physiological tendency. This holds true since it shows a moderate degree of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism.

In this variety, the females attain a greater length and weight than the male. Firstly, the female achieves a length averaging between 2.75 – 3.5 in (7 – 9 cm). Secondly, in addition to a thinner shape, the male only reaches an average length of 2.4 – 2.75 in (6 – 7 cm).

The coloring of the European Mantis also varies among individuals. Gender plays no apparent role in this pattern, however. The shades displayed by individuals also differ. The basic pattern consists of shades of brown, green, and yellow. But, a few display a dark black.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Mantidae
Genus: Mantis
Species: M. religiosa

European Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Although the stunning European Mantis, as the name indicates, originated in southern Europe, in now inhabits a broad swathe of the world. In addition to areas in which it was introduced, the arthropod also spread naturally to several other regions of the globe.

Due to that spreading, it now naturally inhabits much of the continents of Africa and Asia. Man also introduced it to the continent of Australia. Fortunately for it, therefore, this invertebrate displays a remarkable degree of adaptability in regards to its choice of habitat.

That holds since it inhabits a wide range of ecosystems. These include such locations as temperate and tropical forests, urban areas, and even semi-arid regions. It does, however, prefer the area it appears in to have sufficient quantities of grass and herbaceous plants.

Furthermore, one reason for this preference occurs due to the need for a sufficient and steady food supply. The European Mantis evolved as a powerful, carnivorous insect. The invertebrate also hunts its prey as a highly effective ambush predator.

Finally, this prey typically consists of several types of insects. These include such creatures as grasshoppers, crickets, moths, bees, and flies. Individuals of this species nonetheless also occasionally tackle significantly larger prey, such as smaller invertebrates.

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Facts

The phenomenal creature appearing in the third position in this compendium of 4 Majestic Mantises of Asia is the Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis.
The most frequently used common name for this marvel of Nature and evolution is the descriptive term we’ve listed above. It’s also, however, sometimes referred to by the somewhat misleading alternate term of the giant dead leaf mantis.
Professional researchers, though, typically refer to it by its formal scientific name. That term, however, like many such technical names, remains somewhat hard to pronounce. That’s because professionals refer to the insect by the term Deroplatys desiccata.
Regardless of what one chooses to call it, it’s a fascinating and captivating creature. The alternate common name, though, is slightly misleading. That, however, isn’t at all unusual, as common names frequently give a false impression of the species.
Though larger than some of its kind, it’s by no means a giant among its roughly 1,800 known related species, overall. It does qualify as a giant, in a way, though. That’s because it attains a somewhat larger size than any other leaf mantis, specifically.
The highly respected English entomologist, as well as archaeologist, John Obadiah Westwood, made the first recorded recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy achievement he accomplished in the year 1839.
Fortunately, its population base appears to be both sizeable and stable. This situation further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. Unfortunately, it’s also become quite popular among those who keep insects in captivity.
Due to these facts, the IUCN presently has no listing for the Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis on its Red List. In the wild, it nevertheless faces several potential threats. Habitat loss poses an potential danger to it, along with the effects of climate change.

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis, Deroplatys lobata — Source: https://bit.ly/3h9viSM Photo: Bernard DUPONT CCL: https://bit.ly/2Stss2x

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Physical Description

Like virtually all of its many relatives, the magnificent Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis ranks as a master of camouflage. In its specific case, its own name gives an indication its approach. That’s due to the fact that, when it wishes, it closely resembles a dead, dry leaf.

Like many insects of all kinds, it also displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size. The overall size difference between the two genders, however, remains comparatively minor.

More precisely, the females, again, like many of its relatives, attains a greater length than the male of the species. Mature females reach an average length of 3 – 3.1 in (7.5 – 8 cm). Males, meanwhile, grow to a body length that averages roughly 2.6 – 2.8 in (6.5 – 7 cm).

Otherwise, the two sexes displays virtually identical patterns of coloring, with only slight variations among individuals. Those patterns, though, include a very respectable range of colors. These run from nearly black, to shades of brown, to an orange-brown hue.

The highly extended thorax possesses an extremely flattened shape. It also manifests intricate patterns, like the veins on a leaf, on the upper surface of its wings. The underside, however, has a mainly black background, with a large eye-like spot on each wing.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Deroplatyidae
Genus: Deroplatys
Species: D. dessicata

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The mesmerizing Malysian Dead Leaf Mantis inhabits a moderately expansive part of the world. This range consists of the region generally known as southeast Asia. More specifically, it’s known to live in Sumatra, the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Within that range, though, it fortunately seems to be moderately adapable in terms of its habitat requirements. That’s due to the fact that specimens appear in regions of both tropical forest and scrubland. For now, no evidence that it ever lived elsewhere exists.

It’s also supremely adapted for the environment in which it lives. Its coloring, as well as its body shape and design, provides it with excellent natural camouflage. The insect even appears to sway in the breeze, mimicking the movements of a dried up leaf.

This learned behavioral pattern serves the amazing arthropod well in its typical habitat range, offering it a certain measure of protection from its own predators. Those include the usual species, such as tree climbing lizards, snakes, and birds, among others.

Like its numerous relatives, the Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis evolved as a carnivore. Also like them, it’s a master hunter, preferring to hunt as an ambush predator. It feeds opportunistically, consuming virtually any prey of sufficient size, most especially moths.

Conehead Mantis

Conehead Mantis Facts

Closing out this compilation of 4 Majestic Mantises of Asia comes the eye-catching invertebrate named the Conehead Mantis.
The highly evocative term for the predator appropriately serves as the common name for this remarkable insect. This marvel of Nature also goes by another name, though. That’s its somewhat difficult scientific name of the Empusa pennata.
Regardless of which of these term you use for it, though, it remains blessed with a distinctive appearance. The common name, quite understandably, derives from the presence of the incredible structure on the top of the invertebrate’s head.
The first recorded scientific recognition of this creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in the year 1815. That formal recognition took place as a result of the work of the well known Swedish naturalist, Carl Peter Thunberg.
For the moment, the marvelous Conehead Mantis appears to be maintaining a stable and sufficient population. This further seems to be the case throughout the entirety of its range. As a result, the IUCN currently list the species a Least Concern.
The invertebrate must nevertheless be considered to be facing at least some threats to its existence. One of these is probably the danger posed by increasing habitat loss. Its greatest threat, however, likely consists of ongoing climate change.

Conehead Mantis, Empusa pennata — Source: https://bit.ly/3dQiMVn Photo: Katya CCL: https://bit.ly/2MN4rNy

Conehead Mantis Physical Description

Although the marvelous Conehead Mantis fully deserves appreciation, this does not derive solely from its sheer physical size. That aspect of the invertebrate does nonetheless rank as respectable, since it represents an above-averaged size variety of mantis.

Like most of its relatives, it also displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself in two separate ways, though. Simple physical size forms the first of these, with the female attaining a slightly greater length than the male.

This wonder of Nature achieves a size slightly greater than the European Mantis. That being said, females reach an average length of about 4 in (10 cm). The smaller males, meanwhile, attain varying lengths, but rarely grow beyond 3 in (7.6 cm) in total length.

The second form of gender-based differences among the Conehead Mantis appears in the form of the antennae of the male. These appendages possess a fine, feathery characteristic. However, only the male of the species develops these distinctive features.

Otherwise, the genders remain similar. The colors vary, since it employs active camouflage, but certain ones are more common. These consist of green, pink, and various shades of brown. Its most noticeable feature, though, is the cone-shaped structure on the head.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Empusidae
Genus: Empusa
Species: E. pennata

Conehead Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Conehead Mantis possesses a comparatively broad, if somewhat broken, range of habitation. It’s broad because it covers parts of both Europe and Asia. It’s broken, though, since it only appears in scattered parts of the two continents, not evenly.

More precisely, in Europe, the arthropod seems to live in the countries of France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece. In Asia, meanwhile, its only known habitat consists of the country of Lebanon. The exact for this pattern presently remains undetermined.

In all regions of the globe in which it appears, though, its habitat preference remains the same. This particular form of mantis prefers to inhabit more open areas, as opposed to denser forest regions. This mainly includes regions of scrub and perennial herbs.

The amazing Conehead Mantis prefers such regions because of its feeding habits. Like its many relatives, it evolved purely as a carnivore, and acting as an ambush predator. This powerful and efficient hunter eats a vast variety of small insects native to the same habitat.

In turn, the powerful hunter falls prey to other, larger predators. These vary according to its particular region, of course. Overall, however, these mainly include such animals as snakes, frogs, lizards, and a wide variety of avian species sharing its region.