The Tiger Mantis is one of the largest mantis shrimps growing up to 40cm long. They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific in depths from 1-10m. The mantis shrimp's second pair of thoracic appendages have been highly adapted for powerful close-range combat. The appendage differences divide mantis shrimp into two main types: those that hunt by impaling their prey with spear-like structures and those that smash prey with a powerful blow from a heavily mineralised club-like appendage. These weapons are employed with blinding quickness, with an acceleration speed of 83 km/h from a standing start.
I took this image of the Tiger Mantis in Dauin in the Philippines.
The Tiger Mantis is one of the largest mantis shrimps growing up to 40cm long. They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific in depths from 1-10m. The mantis shrimp's second pair of thoracic appendages have been highly adapted for powerful close-range combat. The appendage differences divide mantis shrimp into two main types: those that hunt by impaling their prey with spear-like structures and those that smash prey with a powerful blow from a heavily mineralised club-like appendage. These weapons are employed with blinding quickness, with an acceleration speed of 83 km/h from a standing start.
I took this image of the Tiger Mantis in Dauin in the Philippines.
