Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) (2)

Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) (2)

Praying mantises have highly adapted sensory ability. Unusual within the insect world are their large compound eyes with binocular vision and the ability to rotate their heads nearly 300 degrees. They have antennae which are used for smell.

Praying mantises wait patiently amongst plants with their front legs folded as if in 'prayer', then grab insects from the air with amazing speed. Generally the prey cannot escape as it is impaled on the foreleg spikes, but to be sure they tend to eat the head first.