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Good Morning MF Ron,
This is really an astonishingly awesome macro showing all details of a Mantis face. Great POV, the background is perfect for separation. Congrats MF!
On the Ingrid's questions, I would like to write shortly somethings:
The spots which she saw on the head part are "Ocellus" (spot eye, simple eye) present in many insects apart from the compound ey , consisting of a single beadlike lens. They generaly serve as photoreceptors and are sensitive to rapid changes in light intensity. All mantids have two large, compound eyes and three small, simple eyes (ocelli) that you already saw in Ron's image.
Numerous interesting types of behavior have been studied among the praying mantids. They are known to groom themselves frequently. Using their forelegs, they wipe their eyes and heads and then systematically clean their forelegs with their mouths. They do the same with their antennae and middle and hind legs. Mantids have evolved certain means of defending themselves against potential predators. When faced with danger, most species attempt to run or fly away. If this does not deter the predator, the mantid may react with a startle display that includes thrusting out the forelegs, flashing out the wings, and opening the mouth. In many species the undersides of the forelegs and wings are brightly colored, so the sudden flash of these colors produces a startling effect. If these kinds of defensive behavior fail, mantids may resort to playing dead (thanatosis) or biting and pinching.
TFS and have a nice time during my absence MF!!
Cheers,
Bayram |
| United States
Night Time Visitor (40) *
tuslaw
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