Mantissima religiosa ad viridem

The color spectrum of the green praying mantis ranges from pale green and pink to dark brown and pink. In former burnt areas, one can even observe black specimens (fire melanism). Their vulva-like abdomen is striking, contrasting sharply with the rest of their body. Also characteristic are their elongated pronotum and large, triangular, highly mobile head. While the two rear pairs of legs are designed as spring legs, the front legs are modified into catching legs. The elongated pronotum and the large, triangular, highly mobile head are striking. Between the compound eyes are three ocelli, which they use to perceive light and shadow. Mantises lay 200-300 eggs only once in their lifetime, during the first third of their lives. After mating, the males fall victim to sexual cannibalism. The females urgently need this energy to produce the relatively large number of eggs. Afterward, they spend their days exclusively sunbathing and "praying." They also eat nothing until their death.