科學圖說

生命樂章(Reproductive Life and Death)

對於自然界大部分生物來說，傳宗接代是物種生存的首要目標，但對許多昆蟲而言，交配這件大事，卻暗藏著重重危機。這天，天氣晴朗陽光燦爛，樹枝上一對身體修長、外表優雅、披著寬大如羅紗般綠翅膀的寬腹螳螂，正共譜愛的樂章。倏地，雌螳螂不顧情義轉過臉來，泰然自若地啃食雄螳螂，丟了頭、胸部被截去的雄螳螂，仍然牢牢地纏在雌螳螂身上繁衍後代。被吃掉的雄螳螂犧牲自己的生命，成為後代的養分，出色地完成了自己的使命。大千世界有結束，才有開端；有死亡，才有新生。

 In the natural world, reproduction is crucial for the survival of species. However, for many insects, mating can be a dangerous activity. On a clear, sunny day, two praying mantises were on a branch. They appeared elegant with their long, slender bodies and gauze-like wings, locked in an intimate embrace. Suddenly, the female, uncaring about the significance of the moment, turned her head and fed on the anterior portion of the male. Although the male has lost his head, his body remains attached to her abdomen to complete the process of reproduction. The male sacrificed himself to provide nutrients for his offspring. Where there is an ending, there is a start. And, where there is death, there is new life.