The Praying Mantis:

Praying mantises, also referred to as Mantodea (scientific name), are undeniably one of the most peculiar-looking insects. Adorned with a triangle-shaped head, a lean body, and spine-covered front legs, they have a rather grotesque appearance. So, where do praying mantises get their name from? Mantises often target and lurch after prey in a position with their front legs folded and held together, hence, the name praying mantis. When grabbing their prey, they stand extremely still, lurching at the perfect moment to pierce their prey with the rows of spikes on their front legs. Thereafter, they eat their prey alive. I know - pretty gory. Aside from the peculiar anatomy of a praying mantis, there are many other features that make this insect distinguishable from others. First, praying mantises can see things in 3-D, which makes locating and catching prey easier. Further, unlike most insects, they are able to rotate their head from side to side without moving the rest of their body, another advantageous trait when hunting. With all of these traits conducive to hunting success, praying mantises are very ambitious hunters. In fact, aside from eating other insects, praying mantises are known to eat hummingbirds, robins, lizards, etc. It’s insane! Another fascinating aspect of praying mantis behavior includes their mating habits. Many of the male praying mantises do not survive mantis breeding season due to female praying mantis cannibalism. In fact, the female praying mantis will bite off the head of her mate, devouring the rest of his body! So why do they do this? Scientists have recently unveiled information stating that female praying mantises that eat their male mate tend to produce more eggs. The entire process is fascinating, yet, equally horrifying!