. The Australian Museum magazine. Natural history. 240 THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM MAGAZINE. HABITS. There are over thirty species of niantids in AustraUa, and though each has its own specific habits, these are all alike in a general sense. For the sake of convenience the habits and life- history of a common local species, the Long-Winged Praying Mantis {Ten- odera australasiae), will be hereafter discussed as ty])ical. This widely dis- tributed Australian mantis has often been observed by the writer in the coastal bush around Sydney, \\here it occurs fairly ])lentifully during the si>ring and su
. The Australian Museum magazine. Natural history. 240 THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM MAGAZINE. HABITS. There are over thirty species of niantids in AustraUa, and though each has its own specific habits, these are all alike in a general sense. For the sake of convenience the habits and life- history of a common local species, the Long-Winged Praying Mantis {Ten- odera australasiae), will be hereafter discussed as ty])ical. This widely dis- tributed Australian mantis has often been observed by the writer in the coastal bush around Sydney, \\here it occurs fairly ])lentifully during the si>ring and summer months. It may be found on the ground or in low scrub, stealthily walking from twig to twig, sedately unfolding its front legs to assist itself in the process. Sometimes it stops and sways from side to side, as it stands delicately poised on its hinder legs. When performing this action its resemblance to a stick moving slightly in the breeze is very striking. If its attention be attracted by some moving object, the mantis will quickly turn or lift its head in order to investi- gate. This action is a comical one and almost human in its impression, for one can imagine the presence of a quizzical expression on the face of the insect as it '"takes ; It is a ])roficient junqier and leaps from rela- tively great heights, always landing safely on its feet like a domestic cat. When at rest, the Mell-known ])raying attitude is assumed, when the fore- limbs are folded with their inner sur- faces closely adpressed. So far as the Long-Winged Mantis is concerned the males appear to be more efficient on the wing than the females, for these even- tually develop a bulky form of body which is quite out of pro})ortion to their wing capacity. The s])ecies in question is sometimes attracted by artificial light, and, during its active nocturnal wanderings, may enter dwellings in order to satisfy its curiosity. The gruesome work performed by the forelimbs is quite out of keeping
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