🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The asian jumping mantises (Statilia maculata) are smaller mantises that also have a home in the eastern US. They are being closely monitored given their recent introduction in 2019. They have also been observed participating in nymphal cannibalism, where they eat their own kids. Also, they have participated in sexual cannibalism, where they eat their mate.

It is native to Asia that can be found in China and Japan and Korea.

Upon emerging, nymphs resemble miniatures of adults but lack fully developed wings. In this stage, asian jumping mantis undergoes progressive molts, increasing in size, slowly developing wing buds, and changing color with each instar, enhancing survival by improving camouflage and hunting ability.

Emerging from the final molt, the adult asian jumping mantis's development is marked by the presence of fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs. Body pattern and color reach their peak for mating signals and camouflage, while the adult is preoccupied with reproduction and feeding.

Asian jumping mantis can turn its head nearly 180 degrees to scan its surroundings due to a flexible joint between the head and prothorax.