Praying Mantis

Description:

A praying mantis, or praying mantid, is the common name for an insect of the order Mantodea.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.These fascinating insects are formidable predators. 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. 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. Females regularly lay hundreds of eggs in a small case, and nymphs hatch looking much like tiny versions of their parents.