May - 2013

Dear Nature Lovers,
Greetings from oikos !

Insects have a great variety in shape and size. One of the easily identifiable insect is from order Mantodea. Forelegs of this insect are modified to grasp prey and are always held in a ‘prayer-like’ position. So it is called as “Praying Mantis”.
Regards,
Ketaki & Manasi.

MANTIDS
ORDER : MANTODEA
The order Mantodea includes Mantids.
Mantis = prophet / fortune teller.
Wings: Two pairs of membranous wings, though some females lack wings.
Mouth Parts: Chewing.
Metamorphosis: Incomplete. Egg – Nymph – Adult.
Significance to Humans: They are predaceous on a large variety of insects and other arthropods. They usually wait motionless for their prey to venture within striking distance. Mantids are well known as biological control agents.

Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
Size varies from 5 to 10 cm. Color is predominantly green. Rarely brown.
It is highly cannibalistic species i.e. females start feeding on males during mating itself. Also they are highly predaceous so they are excellent bio-control agents. They camouflage with their surrounding as a defensive strategy.


Reference : Field guide : “Insects of BNHS reserve” by BNHS, Mumbai, Indian Insects and Arachnids by MeenakshiVenkataraman.

May Calendar Click on the image to enlarge
(1024 X 768  for Regular Square Screen)
(1366 X 768  for Widescreen)
(1280 X 1024  for Regular Square Screen)
(1920 X 1080  for HD Wide)

*  Open calendar image by clicking on thumbnail, save it to computer and set it as desktop background for your
    computer monitor.

Please Note -
This Email is a part of awareness campaign initiated by oikos, Pune. Write to us for your valuable feedback.
oikos have been sending ‘Desktop calendars’ since January’06 with various themes,
which can be downloaded from website.
If you are not willing or not the correct recipient of this Email, kindly reply this mail with subject 'unsubscribe'.  Thanking you for your precious time.
Spread a word !! Forward to nature lovers !
 
oikos for ecological services
Ph. 020-25451875

Web: www.oikos.in