Mantis Behavior

[SunOfRa]

Why do mantids somtimes reach ouch to "grab" at the air around them when you walk with them on your hand or arm?

 

[MandellaMandy123]

Mantids have poor depth perception, and therefore they don't realize that the walls or other distant objects are too far away for them to climb onto. This is part of the reason why mantids also swing back and forth. By swinging back and forth, they see something from different angles and this gives them a better idea of how far away the object is.

 

[ScienceGirl]

It is partly the air moving around them that provokes them to reach out. Also, they sway in the wind to avoid detection from predators, prey, and other creatures.

 

[Jinx]

My Ghosts always try to reach out for the shadows cast by the ceiling fan. It's very cute/funny. :tt2:

 

[Sticky]

I love it when they do it! It looks like they are saying " pick me up" ! Or "Iwant I want it I want it! Gimmee gimmee!

 

[minomantis]

Also, I think they stretch out to not use all their energy jumping. If they can reach it stretching, then it's good!

 

[lancaster1313]

They just want to climb. It is pretty cute when they do that.

 

[SunOfRa]

Mine always wanted to climb on my face. It was pretty funny. Though most of the time he just hung upset down from a plant haha. Ahh I love mantids.