On the territory of Europe, Egypt and many other countries, you can meet some of the most unusual insects - the Bogomolov. For many people, they are known due to the fact that after mating female bite off their partners. You have already thought about it many times in the selection of "interesting facts", however, this statement is true only half. In the course of numerous observations of the mantilers, the researchers found out that females bite the heads of males only in 50% of cases. The males ready for mating as if they would play "Russian Roulette", as a result of which they either die or survive. The females of the Bogomolov eat representatives of the other sex and even their children due to the fact that sex hormones provoke very aggressive behavior. But recently, scientists find out that some males can resist ruthless females - it is a very large and important scientific discovery.
Who are such a mantis?
Mantis are predatory insects, the length of which can reach 7.5 centimeters. Females are always larger than males. The color of the body of the Bogomolov is very valid and depends on the environment. To disguise on the background of wildlife, insects can find both green shade and paint in brown. The rear limbs of the Bogomol are designed for running, and the front is equipped with spikes and are used for grabbing food. These insects have wings, but only males can fly well. And all because females are much larger and often simply cannot raise their body.
The males of the Bogomolov feed on small insects, but females can attack the larger victims. They are always attacking an ambush, what they great helps the ability to disguise as an environment. First, they are almost not moving, but when potential production is within reach, immediately wrap them with the front limbs. In the hunting position, they look like a praying person, so they were called "mantiles."
Doubt the cruelty of the Bogomolov? Look this video
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Pairing the Bogomol
In the period of mating in females, sex hormones are produced, which enhance their aggressiveness. In this state, they are ready to tear the head not only by males, but also other females and even hatched children. In the society of the Bogomolov, cannibalism is common, because at the early stage of development of eggs, females are very necessary nutrients. Find out other insects for a long time, therefore females grab the first, which falls at hand after mating. So it is not surprising that their sexual partners become their first victims.
But males die only in 50% of cases, so they always have a chance to survive. This recently was convinced by scientists from New Zealand. They caught 52 pairs of mantoms of the form Miomantis Caffra, placed them in plastic glasses of 700 milliliters and watched their behavior for 24 hours. It is important to note that before the female experiment, female were fed with flies and were accustomed to the conditions inside the glasses. The males were released to them last.
It turned out that the males of the marsomols of the Miomantis Caffra type have more chances of survival after mating than representatives of other species. The researchers found out that at the meeting of females and males start a fierce battle. If the male is able to win, he, with a 75% probability, will be able to survive after mating. And all because during the battle they manage to wander the females and deprive them of parts. It sounds brutally but, apparently, the mantis plants themselves are very cruel creatures. Females tear off the males of the head, and they try to hurt them as much as possible. They have their own atmosphere.
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It is worth noting that this is not the first article about mantis on our website. Previously, my colleague Lyubov Sokovikova was told about these amazing creatures. She shared several interesting facts about the mantis and told why these insects are even more terrible than it seems to us. Although these creations are not dangerous to people, meet them do not want. However, there are more than 2,850 species in the world, among which are very beautiful - I personally would not mind looking at them live. Photos of these beauties, my colleague also shared, so I strongly recommend honoring her article. Here is the link.