Arizona Mantis
Stagmomantis limbata
Observed on shrub of Bacharis sarathroides, Kitty Joe Canyon, Mazatzal Mts., Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 2 Sept. 2017. The remainder of the male's body will be eaten by the female after mating is complete.
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The predatory instincts of many organisms are slow to be supressed even when encountering another of their kind, for example when mating. At the time this photo was taken the summer rains had finished, much of the vegetation was browning, and the supply of prey insects was falling dramatically. Somehow, a calculation was made, that in terms of reproductive survival, the male insect's risk was worth the return.
Mantidae -- a Praying Mantis Family
More Information:
- Bugguide Iowa State University
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