because he risks being killed and eaten by the female during or after intercourse.

The Mantis is solitary but meets with his fellows once a year to mate. For this, the male has to persuade the female to mate with him and will not eat it. However, during or after copulation the female is usually take out the head of the male confusing it with a "bridal" gift.

Thereafter the female lays about 100 to 300 eggs in a white foam called ootheca, above any leaf or branch. The eggs hatch in early spring.