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@ PuarTheFlyingCat
2025-05-08 13:15:16
https://nostpic.com/media/1fa3545682f1a815b08d7c0c31e579edec14a491c88ab4a2f53686b4f63dc5a2/f201780d6d4c22c287063cf41cfec0b24487c44caf0ae57d48c26a3d1ee5b9dc.webp
Mantis shrimp typically grow to around 10 cm (3.9 in) in length, while a few species such as the zebra mantis shrimp can reach up to 38 cm (15 in).[7] A mantis shrimp's carapace covers only the rear part of the head and the first four segments of the thorax. Mantis shrimp widely range in colour, with species mostly being shades of brown to having multiple contrasting, vivid colours.
Dubbed "sea locusts" by ancient Assyrians, "prawn killers" in Australia,[5] and now sometimes referred to as "thumb splitters" due to their ability to inflict painful wounds if handled incautiously,[6] mantis shrimp possess powerful raptorial appendages that are used to attack and kill prey either by spearing, stunning, or dismembering; the shape of these appendages are often used to classify them into groups: extant mantis shrimp either have appendages which form heavily mineralized "clubs" that can strike with great power, or they have sharp, grasping forelimbs used to swiftly seize prey (similar to those of praying mantis, hence their common name).