The Lifespan of an Orchid Mantis
The Malaysian orchid mantis, or Hymenopus coronatus, is a species of praying mantis, a large insect that lives in tropical areas. Females are generally a little over 2 inches long---twice the length of males------and they also live longer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Early Life
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A mantis lays its eggs in clusters called oothecae, which hatch after five or six weeks. The young are born red and black, but after moulting they are pink in adulthood.
Female Lifespan
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Female mantises moult seven times throughout their lifespan and are differentiated from the males by having only six abdominal segments. They live to be 8 months old.
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Male Lifespan
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Males moult only five times, and, despite being smaller than females, have eight abdominal segments. They live only for 5 to 6 months.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
