Do mantids shake to mimic leaves?

[Emi]

I've kept a few mantids before, and I've noticed that a lot of them shake or rock back and forth when something moves or there is a gust of wind. Has anyone seen this behavior before too? And do you think this is because they're trying to mimic the shaking motion of a leaf when it is blown by the wind?

-Emi

 

[agent A]

u hit the nail on the head

 

[sueb4653]

I was told it is how they gauge distance

 

[agent A]

I was told it is how they gauge distance

kinda

the thorax has hairs that the head touches so they know what direction to strike in

 

[Crazy4mantis]

the shake-when-wind-blows is to mimic a leaf. the shake-when-food-comes is to gauge distance. some will only move when there is a gust of wind or when there is food nearby.

 

[Emi]

Wow, that's really cool. I always knew that they shook while stalking prey, but I never knew that was for determining distance. Nature is very clever....

Thanks guys!

 

[Mime454]

I've noticed that my ghosts do this when they see each other. They stare at each other and alternate abdominal pumps. Almost like they're communicating. Any thoughts on this?

 

[kitkat39]

They do this to gauge distance, communicate with each other, and mimic leaves.

And if you didn't notice.. all I did was jack other people's responses. ;-D

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Mine insist they are twigs not leaves.

 

[Mime454]

Mine insist they are twigs not leaves.

Popa spurca?

 

[Crazy4mantis]

also so food doesn't see them.

 

[tylersterrain]

Mine insist they are twigs not leaves.

I got a really good laugh from that response... I should get out more

 

[Rick]

I believe that is one reason. As was mentioned research also says another reason is to better judge distance.

 

[MandellaMandy123]

Mantids have no depth perception. They rock back and forth to make up for that

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Popa spurca?

Hahaha, nope, not that particular species but I've had a number that have been determined to be the best twig they can be.

I got a really good laugh from that response... I should get out more

Getting out more would allow you to better study twigs. My mantises assure me there is nothing like seeing a twig in person to better inspire one into chasing the epic dream that is becoming one with the twig.

 

[Paradoxica]

I agree with all of the above but it seems like my ghosts use that to identify themselves so they dont eat their own kind.

 

[rSon]

yes, i think its only with some species. when had i chinese mantis they rarely shake but my ghost "shake it like a poloroid picture". i think its more common with species that are trying to mimic leaves.

 

[Danny.]

yes, i think its only with some species. when had i chinese mantis they rarely shake but my ghost "shake it like a poloroid picture". i think its more common with species that are trying to mimic leaves.

Lol... mine drop it low like a booty shaking contest

 

[jrh3]

Im only shake when i have music on. They like to dance, lol.