Often misspelled as “Preying Mantis” the Praying Mantises are believe it or not closely related to Termites (Isoptera) & Cockroaches (Blattodea) NOT Grasshoppers and Crickets as one would naturally think.
Praying Mantises are exclusively predatory. Large species have been know to devour small lizards, snakes, birds and even rodents not to mention other undesirable insects and pests.
As masters of camouflage, they can blend in well with tree bark, all kinds of foliage or grass. Just about any situation. This protects them from predators and also allows them to prepare for their next meal.
A Mantises will live only 10-12 months and in colder climates, they will die during the winter.
Many gardeners think of the Mantises as beneficial insects, as they prey on other harmful insects. Great for organic methods of pest control.
I had no idea they lived that long.
Do their wings work? I would hate to see one of those flying at me!
those are amazing photos. such an intriguing insect.
i wonder what the big ones look like, the larger Mantises that you mention in your post, that eat birds. ew!!!!!
Thank you for your comment Eric, yes those wings do work and boy can they fly. I can understand why people would find them scary but I think they are beautiful creatures.
Thanks Deb!!!!
Pretty amazing little buggers huh