Orchid Mantis Catching Prey

These mantids are strongly sexually dysmorphic, with males only reaching 3 cm (1.18") in length, while females grow up to 6 cm (2.36") long.
The males also have much shorter lifespans and are faster growing than females, which makes breeding especially difficult. To compensate for this difference males are usually kept at lower temperatures and get less food than females, slowing their development and increasing their lifespan.

Mantises are an order of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 430 genera in 30 families. The largest family is the Mantidae. Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks.

There is a difference between Mantis and Mantids Although many refer to a member of this group as a 'praying mantis,' mantis refers to the genus Mantis. Only some praying mantids belong to the genus Mantis. Mantid refers to the entire group. Mantids are very efficient and deadly predators that capture and eat a wide variety of insects and other small prey.