Predators - Mantodea
Mantodea - Mantidae (predators)
This group includes more than 2,000 predatory insects similar and related to the praying mantis. They are characterized by the structure of their forelegs which are usually kept folded in front of the body and transformed into pincers for catching their prey. Most species are ambush predators that sit motionless among the foliage, camouflaged by their green colour or by a branch-like appearance. Males may be attacked by the females during the copulation.
The family Mantidae is the largest and in terms of impact on crop pests the most important family in this group. The adults range in size from around 1 cm to more than 10 cm. They can turn their head in almost all directions and have ocelli and large compound eyes.
The following genera and individual species are currently entered in the systemy:
