The Praying Mantis

The Praying Mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent in a way that looks like they are praying. The larger group of these insects is called the praying mantids. The name Mantis refers to the genus mantis which only some praying mantids are apart of. Mantids have triangular heads on a long thorax. They can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with three simple eyes located between two larger compound eyes. Most are green or brown to blend in with the plants they live on. They are carnivores stalking and ambushing their prey, which include moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and also other praying mantis'. Female Mantids eat the male Mantids during or after mating. Even though this sometimes this keeps the male from mating the females still usually lay hundreds of eggs in a small case. The nymphs then hatch looking much like tiny versions of their parents.