Mantis religiosa or Praying Mantis is named for its prominent front legs which are bent together and suggest the position of prayer. Praying Mantids (pluralized) have a triangular head perched on a long neck, which allow the insect to turn their heads 180 degrees to scan for prey. Mantids use their front legs to snag their prey with lightning fast reflexes. Their legs are also equipped with spikes for ease of pinning prey. Mantids feed on moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies and most other insects. They can achieve anywhere from 0.5" to 6" in length!
Praying Mantids do not have discerning tastes when it comes to their victims. They will even eat their own kind. Interestingly enough, the female mantis will often times eat her mate either during or just after mating.
If you see one of these cool insects in your garden, you will be amazed. Pictured here is a sample of the mantis population here at the nursery.
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