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Project Noah Nature School
Mantis religiosa
"The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position of prayer. They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them. Typically green or brown and well camouflaged on the plants among which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their quarry. They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place."
My daughter spotted this Praying Mantis. We are located near it's northern most habitat.
Spotted on Sep 12, 2011
Submitted on Sep 23, 2011
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