The Praying Mantis Can Predict Snowfall

Function

In Autumn, praying mantises lay their eggs on grass stems and small twigs, where they will remain throughout the winter. Some people in snowy places have a saying that “when the praying mantis lays its eggs up high, it will be a very snowy winter.” People in such areas use the height of the eggs to predict the amount of snow that will accumulate over the winter. Recent research suggests that there is actually merit to this proverb. If the praying mantis lays its eggs too high, they will be eaten by birds, but if the eggs are laid too low, they will end up buried in the snow. The praying mantis must lay its eggs at just the right height in order for its young to survive. What is remarkable is that they are able to predict this height as early as 3 months before the snow begins to fall.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Season sensing

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Technical Application

Some weather prediction surveys incorporate things like the position of praying mantis eggs and the earth’s vibrations as measured in trees.

Products and Services

  • Weather Prediction Surveys.

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

Praying mantises and other animals may be able to sense things from the earth and environment that humans cannot, such as upcoming weather and natural disasters. By leveraging the abilities of these animals, we may be able to more accurately predict such phenomena.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style

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