New Zealand Mantis

Fascinating facts about the New Zealand Mantis

• In 1920, a small insect was discovered in New Zealand that would change the understanding of mantis evolution - Orthodera novaezealandiae, the New Zealand mantis, has since been found to be one of the most ancient lineages, with fossils dating back 140 million years. This ancient lineage reveals a lot about the early history of life on Earth. The New Zealand mantis is still studied today for its primitive characteristics. Its existence shows how some species can remain largely unchanged for millions of years.
• New Zealand mantis females can grow up to 5 cm in length, about the size of a human thumb, and weigh around 0.5 grams. They have a mottled brown and green colour, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This camouflage is crucial for their hunting strategy, which involves waiting motionless for hours, even days, for the perfect moment to strike. Their prey, usually flies or bees, often never see them coming.
• Orthodera novaezealandiae has a highly efficient way of hunting, using a strategy called 'active waiting'. They wait for prey to come close and then strike with their spiked forelegs at speeds of up to 0.05 seconds. This speed, although not fast in human terms, is incredibly quick for an insect of its size. The New Zealand mantis can also turn its head a full 180 degrees, giving it a wide field of vision to spot potential prey. This combination of speed and agility makes them formidable hunters.
• New Zealand mantis eggs are protected by a foam-like substance called 'ootheca', which is produced by the female. This ootheca is made up of 20-30 eggs and can be up to 1 cm long. The female mantis will guard the ootheca until it hatches, usually after 2-3 weeks. The hatchlings will then disperse and start their life cycle anew. This reproductive strategy allows the New Zealand mantis to produce multiple generations per year, making them highly resilient to environmental changes.
• The New Zealand mantis has been around since the time of the dinosaurs, and yet, it is still a relatively unknown species, even among locals. There are only around 20 recorded sightings per year, making it a rare and elusive insect to spot in the wild. Despite its ancient history and unique characteristics, the New Zealand mantis remains understudied, and scientists are still learning about its behaviour, habitat, and population dynamics. Further research is needed to protect this ancient species and its habitat.

At a glance

About the New Zealand Mantis

The New Zealand Mantis, scientifically known as Orthodera novaezealandiae, is a striking insect that showcases the rich biodiversity of its native habitat. Characterized by its elongated body, which can reach up to 8 centimeters in length, this mantis features vibrant green coloration that provides perfect camouflage among the lush foliage of New Zealand's temperate forests. With large, bulging eyes and raptorial forelegs, it is a master of ambush predation, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey. The New Zealand Mantis is primarily nocturnal, emerging under the cover of darkness to hunt a variety of insects, including flies, moths, and even other mantises. One surprising trait of this species is its ability to change its coloration slightly, blending in more effectively with its surroundings based on the environment, a fascinating adaptation that enhances its hunting success and evasion from predators. Inhabiting diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal scrublands to dense forests, the New Zealand Mantis thrives in regions with abundant vegetation. This adaptability allows it to occupy various microhabitats, from the understory of forests to the edges of gardens and urban areas. Their reproductive behavior is equally captivating; females often exhibit sexual cannibalism, consuming the male after mating, a strategy that may enhance their reproductive success by providing the female with additional nutrients. Observing this intricate dance of life, one cannot help but marvel at how such a small creature plays a significant role in its ecosystem, influencing both the population dynamics of its prey and the overall health of its habitat.

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