✷HISTORY of MANTISES✷

  According to fossil records, praying mantises first appeared around 135 million years ago during the Cretaceous period; a lineage that stretches back to the age of dinosaurs!

 

These ancient insects were already formidable hunters, evolving from early Dictyoptera ancestors, sharing a family tree with cockroaches and termites. Over millions of years, mantises developed their iconic raptorial forelegs, an adaptation specialized for hunting and swiftly snatching prey. Today, their evolutionary journey has resulted in about 2,400 species worldwide, showcasing a stunning variety of forms, colors, and personalities.
 

Compared to humans, who have been around for only about 300,000 years, mantises are ancient!

To put their lineage in perspective, mantises have been around for over 134 million years longer than humans; making them true warriors of the insect world!

 

Their long history is a testament to their adaptability and mastery of survival!!!

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