Hierodula membranacea

{{Speciesbox

| genus = Hierodula

| species = membranacea

| authority = Burmeister, 1838

}}

Hierodula membranacea is a large praying mantis, sharing its common name giant Asian mantis with other large members of genus Hierodula: of which it is the type species. Its colours vary from green to yellow-green, or even brown to reddish-brown, similar to those of the giant Indian mantis and the giant Malaysian mantis. As the name suggests, it originates from south-eastern Asia and is among the largest of mantises. Male and female adults reach around {{convert|7-9|cm}}, excluding extended forelegs. It is a cannibalistic species, with the females sometimes eating the males after mating.

Habitat

Hierodula membranacea inhabits in shrubs and tree areas. It lives in hot and humid climates of temperatures of {{convert|22|to|30|C|F}} with a humidity of 60% to 70%.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Biology

= Diet =

As with other mantis species, H. membranacea is particularly cannibalistic, which is thought to increase female fecundity.{{cite journal|last=Barry|first=Katherine L|author2=Gregory I. Holwell |author3=Marie E. Herberstein |title=Female praying mantis use sexual cannibalism as a foraging strategy to increase fecundity |journal=Behavioral Ecology|year=2008|volume=19|issue=8|pages=710–715|doi=10.1093/beheco/arm156|doi-access=free}} These huge insects can also tackle highly predatory hornets such as the Asian Giant hornet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2017/02/11/preying-mantis-eats-asian-hornet/|title=Preying Mantis eats Asian Hornet|last=says|first=Gabe|date=2017-02-11|website=What's That Bug?|access-date=2017-07-05}}

= Gallery =

H.membranacea male nymph L7 (25).JPG|male nymph L7

Hierodula membranacea TPopp.jpg|pinned specimen

Hierodula membranacea 01.jpg|underside

Hierodula Membranacea (Head).jpg|head

=Moulting=

Like all arthropods Mantises have a hard shell called an exoskeleton. As they grow, they moult this exoskeleton to allow further growth until they reach their mature size, after which molting will be unnecessary. During the molting process, H. membranacea often does not eat, and avoids exposure to predators as its new shell will initially be soft and vulnerable.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

= Reproduction =

Reproduction occurs sexually in Hierodula membranacea, with very limited parthenogenesis abilities.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} A female can be identified from male by her six abdominal segments, whereas males have eight. She also has a much larger abdomen.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

After mating, the female may attempt to eat the male to increase fertility, which will entail a struggle.{{cite journal|last=Birkhead|first=T R |author2=Lee, K.E. |author3=Young, P. |title=Sexual Cannibalism in the Praying Mantis Hierodula Membranacea|journal=Behaviour|year=1988|volume=106|issue=1–2 |pages=112–118 |doi=10.1163/156853988X00115}} The adult female will lay several egg cases (called oothecae) over her lifespan. From each of these oothecae, up to 150 nymphs hatch after six to eight weeks.Invertopia - https://invertopia.co.uk/products/giant-asian-mantis-hierodula-membranacea

= Behaviour =

This mantis can jump around twice its body length{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}, and although adults are capable of flight, some females occasionally have been known to jump as adults. When cornered by predators, the mantis will adopt a threat display wherein it rears back with its wings and forelegs spread and mouth opened. Should a predator ignore the display, the mantis will strike out with its forelegs and bite. While mantises are not venomous, such a defensive attack from this large species can be painful and possibly break the skin.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023|reason=Whole section needs citations}}