How mantis shrimps spar

Number of punches determines which one wins

mantis shrimps sparring

MANTIS SHRIMP SMACKDOWN  Ritualized combat between mantis shrimps quickly turns to non-deadly blows; opponents use the last segment of their bodies to shield themselves and dissipate the force of the punches (coiled mantis shrimp at right).

Roy Caldwell

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Mantis shrimps famed for their murderously fast punches don’t dance around much before they start swinging at each other.