Praying mantis

Description:

The morphology, or body plan, of a praying mantis is similar to that of many insects. It has six legs, two wings and two antennae. However, they have some special features which makes them unique among insects. First they are able to turn their head around like humans can. All other insects cannot turn their heads, their neck is too rigid to allow it. Furthermore praying mantids have modified front legs; these front legs are especially designed to catch prey and hold them tightly. These arms are very strong and equipped with pointy spikes to keep a firm hold on the prey. Most adult praying mantids have wings (some species do not). Females usually cannot fly with their wings, but males can.

Habitat:

Bushy fields and gardens, tropical and temperate rainforests; Northern Africa, Southern Europe, Asia, and North America (introduced).