Antennae

[kay.rosalba]

My Spiny Flower Mantis and the one I kept prior would sometimes pull its antennae back, similar to the way a cat would when they're pissed off. I'm curious to know if the mantis does this to express discomfort as well or is it something else.. my initial google search come back with bleak results. Would love to hear thoughts and facts from you guys! 

Thanks,

Kayla

 

[hysteresis]

Ive observed males doing that, laying down low and flat, while mounted on females. 

Ive also noticed that with males after dismounting. Maybe its  a survival behaviour? 

 

[MantisGirl13]

They do that to appear smaller when they are scared.

- MantisGirl13 

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Mantises will flatten their antennae back when doing things like eating, mating, and when they are frightened. My guess is the behavior likely evolved to help protect the antennae from injury since they are so delicate.

 

[hibiscusmile]

HI KK, and ditto