What's Unique about How a Praying Mantis Hears?

What is unique about how a praying mantis hears is that the insect detects sounds through one single ear that is located deep within its chest cavity, rather than on its head like most other creatures.

The praying mantis is the only creature that is known to hear with one ear. It was once commonly accepted that praying mantises were deaf, but scientists discovered in the 1980s that not only can the insects hear, but they can detect sounds well beyond what humans are capable of hearing. They use their high-frequency hearing to scope out and protect themselves against predators, such as bats.

More about the praying mantis:

• The praying mantis’s name refers to the position the insect typically is observed in when looking out for prey, where its front arms are flexed in a praying-like stance so it can catch its prey off guard with a sudden strike.
• An estimated 30% of all sexual encounters between male and female praying mantises end with the female attacking and eating the head of the male.
• Praying mantises can turn their heads 180 degrees around.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the hearing mechanism of a praying mantis differ from other insects?

Praying mantises have a unique single ear located in the middle of their chest, between their legs. Unlike other insects that typically have a pair of ears, this central ear allows the mantis to detect ultrasonic frequencies, which is particularly useful for evading bat predators. This mono-ear structure is not found in any other known insect species.

What kind of sounds can a praying mantis hear?

A praying mantis is capable of hearing ultrasonic sounds, which are above the range of human hearing. Specifically, they can detect frequencies from 25 to 60 kHz, which is the range used by bats when they emit echolocation calls. This adaptation helps mantises avoid becoming prey by sensing these high-frequency sounds in time to take evasive action.

Why is it beneficial for a praying mantis to have such specialized hearing?

The specialized hearing of a praying mantis is an evolutionary adaptation that primarily serves as a defense mechanism against nocturnal predators like bats. By detecting the ultrasonic echolocation calls of bats, mantises can perform evasive maneuvers such as spiraling dives mid-flight, which increases their chances of survival.

Can praying mantises locate the direction of a sound?

Despite having only one ear, praying mantises can determine the direction of a sound. When a bat's echolocation call hits the mantis's ear, the sound is diffracted, providing directional information. This allows the mantis to react accordingly, though their directional hearing is not as precise as that of insects with two ears.

Do all praying mantis species have the same hearing capabilities?

Not all praying mantis species have been studied extensively regarding their hearing capabilities. However, it is known that the ability to hear ultrasonic sounds is present in some mantis species, particularly those that are active at night and are more likely to encounter bat predators. The hearing abilities may vary among different species based on their ecological niches and behaviors.

How does the praying mantis's hearing contribute to its predatory skills?

While the praying mantis's hearing is primarily adapted for predator avoidance, it may also play a role in their predatory behavior. By being sensitive to high-frequency sounds, mantises might detect the wing vibrations of their prey, such as moths. However, their predatory success is mainly attributed to their excellent vision and camouflaged appearance rather than their hearing.