What is that you're looking at? The abdomen of a female Mediterranean mantis (Iris oratoria) and the egg sac she is producing. That egg sac most likely contains 100-200 eggs, and when they hatch, the local insect world will need to run for cover.
Two reproductive techniques allow this particular species to expand, despite sharing territory with other mantid species. 1) They are capable of parthenogenesis (Greek for "virgin creation") which allows the females to grow offspring from unfertilized eggs, and 2) a second round of mantis nymphs can hatch from the same egg sac, but in the next season, effectively staggering the mantis generations. This produces new nymphs when their older siblings are already grown and have their own offspring.
That must make for interesting family reunions.
the eggs are glittery... and shiny... and sparkly
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the Alien's egg sac. Anyone recall the part in the movie?
ReplyDeleteRecall? How can I forget?
ReplyDeletewhy do I make the mistake of clicking on your site while I eat lunch ?
ReplyDeleteGia, I think the same thing to myself everytime I post during lunch. Why did I do that?
ReplyDelete