Mantid Eyesight

[athicks]

Hey everyone. I have a bit of a funny story. I took my Gambian Spotted Eye out and set him up on a bendy-straw in a plastic cup (to keep the straw standing up). Then I went and watched some tv, with him on the table next to me.

The funny thing about it was he got pretty engrossed with the TV. I rotated the cup to move the straw in a circle and he kept his eyes on the TV the whole time!

Also, he did something I haven't seen him do before. While watching from on top of the straw he kind of perched down and brought his body really close to the straw like he was lying down to watch the TV! (He's not perching in the picture though. He turned when I used the flash.)

Anyway, I thought it was really funny!

But, it does bring up a question I have...

Does anyone have information about mantid eyesight? Can he see what is on the TV or just a blur of colors?

 

[athicks]

Got him perching

 

[OGIGA]

That's really funny. :lol:

They have really good eyesight and they can spot a prey pretty easily. I wonder if your mantis was looking at the TV because it was moving around.

 

[Kriss]

I have an african that will do the same. He will turn to watch the movement of the TV and then crouch flat infront of it.

I think it is the movement of the TV screen that attracts them and because they are not clear on what is going on they crouch down to better camuflage themself from a potential threat.

 

[Asa]

Never have the TV on in my house, so I wouldn't know.