Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) (3)

Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) (3)

Praying mantises are solitary insects which can grow to a length of around 8 cm (the males are smaller and more slender). They are usually either green or light brown in color allowing them to hide undetected amongst shrubs or grasses. Their front set of legs is lined with spines that help them hold their prey. A curved horn-like spike also helps them catch their prey and they sometimes use this to punch at predators. Praying mantises have eye spots on the inside of their forelimbs (one is visible on my photograph) which they can show to ward off predators.