Welcome to the Mantis Masterclass: Exploring Nature's Silent Hunters!

Mantises belong to the insect order Mantodea, known for their stealth, precision, and extraordinary hunting abilities. These insects are easily recognized by their long, triangular heads, prominent compound eyes, and specialized front legs, which are adapted for swiftly capturing prey. With over 2,400 species found worldwide, mantises are known for their incredible camouflage, striking speed, and their role as ambush predators, making them one of nature’s most efficient hunters. In this class, we’ll delve deep into the biology, behavior, and life cycle of these fascinating insects.

Overview of the Class:

This hands-on session will immerse you in the world of mantises. We’ll begin with a detailed introduction to their anatomy and behavior, covering their hunting techniques, camouflage abilities, and how they use their vision to track prey. You’ll have the chance to observe live mantises up close and learn about their different stages of life, including their molting process. A highlight of the class will be a live mantis hunting demonstration where you can witness their rapid strikes in action. To make the experience even more interactive, you’ll get the opportunity to feed the mantises yourself!

What to Bring:

To make the most of the experience, we recommend bringing a few items. A notebook and pen will be helpful for taking notes on what you learn, and a camera is a great way to capture photos of the live mantises and the hands-on activities. You might also want to bring water and a snack to stay refreshed throughout the class. If you have any personal mantis specimens or insect-related items, feel free to bring them for show and tell!

Date & Time: Oct. 12 2024 3pm-4pm

Location: 1244-1230 Bonnie Cove Ave, Glendora, CA 91740

Instructor: Eno, Funder

Admission: 15 USD