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How Mantises Became Nature’s Strangest Assassins

Season 1 Episode 8 | 10m 50s

Mantises may look unearthly, but they’re uniquely adapted to life on this planet. These incredible hunters have repeatedly evolved into “ecomorphs”—groups that aren’t closely related, but share incredible adaptations to similar habitats. This happens so consistently in their history that it’s almost baffling. Do these dazzling displays of convergence have something to tell us about evolution?

Aired: 05/28/24
Funding for INSECTARIUM is provided by the National Science Foundation.
Extras
NYC ants can eat 6,000 hot dogs a year… and that’s making our cities greener.
Bumble bees—vital and fuzzy pollinators—face unique threats amidst global insect declines.
How do you track a disappearing butterfly? Drop in on one overwintering spot to find out.
Can you ever love a roach? The crucial role roaches play in ecosystems may surprise you!
Beneath ladybugs’ charming spots and vibrant colors lie killer instincts.
Take flight with dragonflies and discover what makes them spectacular aerialists.
Decode firefly flirting and their language of light with entomologist Jessica Ware.
Latest Episodes
NYC ants can eat 6,000 hot dogs a year… and that’s making our cities greener.
Bumble bees—vital and fuzzy pollinators—face unique threats amidst global insect declines.
How do you track a disappearing butterfly? Drop in on one overwintering spot to find out.
Can you ever love a roach? The crucial role roaches play in ecosystems may surprise you!
Beneath ladybugs’ charming spots and vibrant colors lie killer instincts.
Take flight with dragonflies and discover what makes them spectacular aerialists.
Decode firefly flirting and their language of light with entomologist Jessica Ware.