Praying Mantis

Description:

These species will vary in size. For example the Carolina Mantid will grow to about 2 inches long, while the Chinese Praying Mantis can grow to 5 inches long. The Praying Mantis has a head, thorax, and abdomen just like all insects. It has large eyes on each side of its head and it can rotate its head 360 degrees. This enables the Praying Mantis to see very well. The Mantis also has two antennae on its head that it uses for navigation. Once full grown a Praying Mantis will get wings and can fly. It has six legs. The back four legs are primarily used for walking, while the front two legs are have sharp spines that help the Praying Mantis capture and hold on to prey.

Notes:

The Praying Mantis can camouflage itself by changing color. Its color may vary from dark brown to green allowing it to blend into tree bark or green plant leaves so it can hide from predators as well as sneak up on prey.