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<manta1.ima.htm> [For
educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal
Natural Enemy Groups > <Citations> |
Immature Stages
of Mantidae
Detailed information on
immature stages of Mantidae is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) noted that eggs are laid in large
packets, containing in some species up to 300-400 eggs, but usually less than
100, on twigs, grass stems, etc. They
are laid in rows, standing almost vertically, and are enveloped in a frothy
mass which soon hardens into a tough, spongy case. Several hours may be required for the deposition of a single
mass. The form of the egg mass is
distinctive, being almost spherical in some species, but ranging to the
slender mass of Stagmatoptera
septentrionalis S. & Z.
Of Panama, which is 6 cm. Or more long and only 3 mm. In diam., tapering to a
fine thread 1.5 cm. Long, which gives it a resemblance to a seedpod. The young nymphs emerge
from the egg mass through a series of slits left along the median line on the
upper side. They molt soon after
leaving the case, and the exuviae is believed to be a true skin rather than
the amnion. The number of nymphal
molts is not certain, 6-7 being recorded for some species and 9-10 for
others. The females may pass through
one or more nymphal stages than the male. Mathur et al. (1934) gave an extended account
of the biology of a series of Indian species of Mantidae. In Deiphobe sp. The hatching of the eggs in each mass
covers a period of several days, in contrast to the almost simultaneous
hatching that occurs in most other species of Mantidae. Litaneutria minor
Scudd. Inhabiting the more arid regions of North America, has one and
probably 2 generations yearly (Roberts 1937). Fertile eggs may be laid within 2 days after mating, although
this is usually at least 30 days after the adult stage is reached. Each female may lay as many as 10 masses
of eggs, at intervals of ca. 10 days, each with an average of 16 eggs. Eggs that overwinter remain unhatched for
6-7 months, while those laid in early summer hatch in 30 days. There are 6-8 nymphal molts prior to the
adult stage. References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>, [Additional
references may be found at: MELVYL Library ] |