Observations on the Life cycle, Mating and Cannibalism of Mantis religiosa religiosa Linnaeus, 1758 (Insecta: Mantodea: Mantidae)

Abstract

To know the insect world, along with the diversity studies observations on the insect behavior are also significant. The life cycle study and other observations made on the mating and cannibalism in Mantis religiosa religiosa. Being hemimetabolous insect, M. religiosa religiosa shows ootheca (egg), nymph and adult stages in the lifecycle. The incubation duration of ootheca is about 18 days while nymphal duration is about 61 days with six moults. The average lifespan of male and female is 165 and 196 days respectively. The entire life cycle period of female is 31 days more than male. The mating was allowed mostly when female is engaged in feeding which decreases female aggression. The cannibalism was noticed during nymphal stage by incidence of overcrowding as well as in female which devours the male. As M. religiosa religiosa is predatory on grasshoppers, aphids, planthoppers etc. The information of the present study will be applied for biological control of crop pests.