praying mantis

Description:

Mantises have two grasping, spiked forelegs ("raptorial legs") in which prey items are caught and held securely The articulation of the head is also remarkably flexible, permitting nearly 300 degrees of movement in some species, allowing for a great range of vision Mantises are camouflaged, and most species make use of protective coloration to blend in with the foliage or substrate, both to avoid predators, and to better snare their prey

Habitat:

A variety of habitats, but seems to prefer sunny areas of green growth dominated by shrubbery or herbaceus plants.