Ciekawostka: The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head

Evidence: 73 • authority: 72

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large hemimetabolic insect in the family Mantidae, which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs, which can be observed when the mantis is in repose, resembling a praying position. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that the species (and all mantodeans) have are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the 'raptorial legs'), which is highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey. In Germany…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Insects (from Latin insectum) are invertebrates of the class Insecta. They are the largest group within the arthropod phylum. Insects have an exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and a pair of antennae. Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with more than a million described species; they represent more than half of all animal species. The insect nervous system consists of a brain and a ventral nerve cord. Insects breathe air through a system of paired openings along their sides, connected to small tubes that take air directly to the tissues. The blood therefore does not carry oxygen; it is only partly contained in v…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Insects have appeared in mythology around the world from ancient times. Among the insect groups featuring in myths are the bee, fly, butterfly, cicada, dragonfly, praying mantis and scarab beetle. Insect myths may present the origins of a people, or of their skills such as finding honey. Other myths concern the nature of the gods or their actions, and how they may be appeased. A variety of myths tell of transformations, such as between the soul of a living or dead person and a butterfly in Japan. Finally, insects appear as symbols of human qualities such as swiftness, or as portents of forthcoming trouble; accordingly, they may appear as amulets to ward off evil.

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

Neck hair plate sensilla of the praying mantis: Central projections of the afferent neurones and their physiological responses to imposed head movement in the yaw plane

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

Coordinated movements of the head and body during orienting behaviour in the praying mantis Tenodera aridifolia

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

The mantis head camera (why the praying mantis is so good at catching its prey)

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

Proprioceptive control of head position and head movement in the praying mantis

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

Head grooming behaviour in the praying mantis

Evidence: — • authority: 35