thelope.com - praying mantis vs. squash bug

Explained in http://www.blog.thelope.com/2011/10/patsys-revenge.html

A Chinese praying mantis attacks a squash bug in a terrarium in Hutchinson, Kansas, September 4, 2009. I spared you the gory parts.

The Chinese mantis was introduced into the U.S. late in the 19th century as a pest control method. They adapted and are not hard to find in many parts of the U.S. For a few days this particular mantis would eat this kind of bug, then it lost interest and we had to find other bugs to sate its appetite.

thelope.com file number 09 09 04 012

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• praying
• mantis
• squash
• bug
• insects

[soulcitysigma]

did the bug die instantly? it seemed like it didn't even move after being caught

[acejackalope]

@soulcitysigma I noticed that. I suppose the bug may have been trying a "play dead" tactic. Maybe someone more entomological can inform us?

[kyorochan829]

The mantis ate the squash bug?



[acejackalope]

@kyorochan829 Yes, the mantis ate the bug. She ate many of them over a period of a few days, then lost interest in them, at which time we started feeding her crickets. You can see her actually eat the bugs in a couple of my other videos.

[shortiecanbrawl]

What kind of mantis is this?

[acejackalope]

@shortiecanbrawl it's a Chinese Mantis. There is more of an explanation in the text that goes with the video.

[soulcitysigma]

@MengoMango that definitely sounds like a possibility. if that's how it hapened it actually allows me to feel a little less sorry for the little guy. one thing i hate about mantids - even though they are amazing creatures - is that they eat stuff alive. i prefer a predator that is able to at least inflict a quick death.

[MengoMango]

@soulcitysigma Supposedly bunnies also do that when they are caught. They go unconscious into a near death experience type of state probably to make death easier to handle.

[chaoticpiklemongerer]

dude this was filmed at an AWESOME angle man good camera work

[PUTSAS]

very good camera

[Shadowblood66]

@extremeninja1013 It doesn't have a tongue :P the inside of it's mouth is bright red, which is why it looks like it has one.

[Traces1000]

Ash: woow a wild bug pokemon...Scyther i choose you....

Ash: scyther use scratch attack

Scyther grabbed the bug and at it....

Scyther: nom nom nom nom nom

Ash:............wtf....

[extremeninja1013]

i didnt know a prying mantis had a toung!

[sunlun123]

poor mantis, didn't know the bug is stinks

[MrKmart95]

Perfect video :)

[SkuIICrusherGhost]

Yes when in trouble or want to mate they send out a pheromone !!