What are the black dots on the eyes of the praying mantis?

The black spots on the mantid eye, are essentially the sections of the compound eye being used. While this is not technically a “pupil” it represents the same concept and indeed, if the mantid appears to be looking at you, it is. read more

Special to the Reading Eagle: Mike Slater | The Chinese praying mantis appears pious as it dines on a yellow jacket. Those black dots in the eyes look like pupils, but they're not. read more

Most species of praying mantis have small dots or specks at this part of its legs, but Mantis religiosa has a very clear pattern: at the top of the legs there is a black spot with a white dot in the middle. read more