How many eyes does the praying mantis have?

Praying mantis has five eyes. There are two large compound eyes on the head which moves freely around (up to 180°) and three simple eyes between the compound eyes. The compound eyes are capable of seeing images and colors. The three simple eyes perhaps tell the differences between light and dark. The simple eyes are arranged in a triangle between the antennae. Compound eyes are made up of hundreds of facets constructed with two lenses.

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

19 Comments

Rafi Manory

Two complex eyes, not five....

pabjetster

Although I don't agree with the profanity, I do agree that Rusty is right in his comments. I also looked it up and found the answer to be 2. Another question intended to trick us I think!

Rusty

Another question I'm calling BULLSHIT on, I guessed 2 was wrong then looked it up and it said Fuc*kin 2, TWO, 2,2,2,2!!!!!!

Marian Spitzig

National Geographic says you are correct! Thanks for the question!

Michael Chilcott

Good question and good succinct explanation

Kristi Stevens

Yeah... it almost looks like a little face if you look closely enough!!! Very cool, very interesting!

Charlotte Knight

"Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them." 2+3=5 http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/praying-mantis/

Raven Rogers

i see one on each side why would they need more there good size an the eat everything

Jeff Waag

Your answer here clearly wrong, praying mantists have two eyes, though some have three. A true statement might be that they have as many as 5 visual sensory inputs, with the two prominent eyes having two types of vision.

Gabriel Cruz

Couldn't get through,.Didn't want to accept my email

James Vetzel

They have the two obvious Eyes used for seeing and "Targeting" Prey, there three more "Eyes" on top of the head and only "see" light and dark, they are for defensive modes in case there's prey hunting the Mantis.