The mantis shrimp comes equipped with its own weapons. It has claws that look like permanently clenched fists that are known as dactyl clubs. But when it smashes the shells of its prey, these fists ...

Despite their name, mantis shrimp are not true shrimp but a type of stomatopod: a relative of crabs and lobsters that has been on Earth for over 400 million years. There are more than 400 ...

Mantis shrimp are truly spectacular predators of the marine world. Like a praying mantis, the mantis shrimp use a specialised pair of forelimbs to capture prey and are divided into the ‘spearers ...

The scientific name for this mantis is Idolomantis diabolica – inspiring a sense of dread in those who hear the name. However, its colorful threat displays make this mantis stunning to look at, ...

Iranian researcher Mahmood Kolnegari has described a new praying mantis species in central Iran, naming it Sinaiella azadi (“freedom” in Persian) to symbolize the importance of scientific ...

Praying mantises have mastered the art of how not to be seen. Their camouflage has both defensive and offensive applications – it helps them avoid being preyed upon, and it also helps them sneak up on ...

A remote Japanese island holds a horrifying secret. Rumor has it that birds fall victim to insects they view as prey: praying mantises! The Darwin crew set out to investigate and soon come face to ...