Does the Praying Mantis Fly?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 15, 2020

The praying mantis can fly, but this ability depends on a variety of factors. Whether a praying mantis can fly depends on its species, weight, gender and stage of life.

There are many species of praying mantis that do not develop wings, so they cannot fly. Some species do develop wings, but the wings are too small to sustain flight. Praying mantises that can fly are typically male because the male praying mantis generally weighs less than a female. This means that they are capable of longer flights. Some female praying mantises can fly as well, but their flights are generally shorter due to their heavier weight.