Ant Mimic - Mantis
Ants are well organized and so dangerous for many predator species. Therefore, the huge red and black ants will be given a huge berth by these insectivores in general to avoid severe retaliation as a team. This is noted by other vulnerable predators.
Therefore, the tiny predators that are also prey to larger predators try to mimic (imitate) the ants. They get the black colors and often have the attributes of the ants to be safe.
In this case, the praying mantis that is also an insect, imitates by being the same length, color and having segments of the large black ants. Only their weird antennae and well armed forelegs (first of the 3 pairs of legs) give away the fact that this is a prowling predator!
Ant Mimic - Mantis
Ants are well organized and so dangerous for many predator species. Therefore, the huge red and black ants will be given a huge berth by these insectivores in general to avoid severe retaliation as a team. This is noted by other vulnerable predators.
Therefore, the tiny predators that are also prey to larger predators try to mimic (imitate) the ants. They get the black colors and often have the attributes of the ants to be safe.
In this case, the praying mantis that is also an insect, imitates by being the same length, color and having segments of the large black ants. Only their weird antennae and well armed forelegs (first of the 3 pairs of legs) give away the fact that this is a prowling predator!