Praying Mantis eats fly alive

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by Jay, 11 years ago
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A short sequence showing the amazing predatory nature of the Praying Mantid, Mantis religiosa. In this video you will see a fly which mimics a bee, eaten alive! First by the mouth parts then the brain is eaten. Eating brains This praying mantis is found in both Northern and Southern hemispheres wherever there is a warm climate. Whilst capable of flying, they do not catch prey on the wing but instead wait in ambush. Praying mantis's are well camouflaged amongst the foliage. Some species are also ground dwellers and are colored accordingly to their surroundings. Prey almost never escapes from the snare like grip of their forearms and it is always eaten alive. Almost everything is consumed. Able to turn their heads about 180 degrees, if watched closely you will see them track their intended victims by moving their heads. They possess a type of binocular vision enabling them to accurately judge distances when striking out at their insect prey. It is not yet fully understood if praying mantids can see color. The praying mantis is truly a super predator amongst the insect world. BE WARNED THIS FOOTAGE IS REALLY GRUESOME! If you like this video on animal behavior then click here to check out another interesting video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q303SGDob-A