Mantis (Insecta:Mantodea) Fauna of Chhattisgarh, India

Mantids belong to the Order Mantodea under Superorder Blattopteroidea. They are commonly found in humid climate of tropical region although few species occur in dry habitats of semi desert areas. The activity period of mantis depends on the habitat. In arid and semi-arid regions, mantids are generally active after sunset to avoid desiccation. They are well known as predators of many invertebrates and even smaller vertebrates. Territoriality, inter and intra-specific cannibalism are known in mantids and these may be some of the reasons for the decline of their population in nature. They constitute a natural biological control agent by feeding on other insects and thus play an important role in natural control of beneficial species, pest insects and others species in nature.