Louis Henry

Praying Mantis Louis Henry

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. By facts, 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 look around their surroundings with two large compound eyes and 3 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 fast that they are hard to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place. This beginners guide provides vital information on the origin, physical attributes, how to buy, temperament, health problems, feeding, and socialization of this wonderful pet.