It is clear how the insect got its name. The elongated front legs are folded in a way like the insect is praying. They can be extended in a speed of light and the mantis will grab its prey. Interesting to know that among their preys are not just other insects but also lizzards and frogs and sometimes small birds.
Mantis can turn their heads a full 180 degrees. No other insect can do it. Their flexible joint between the head and prothorax enables to swivel their heads. That would be interesting to capture on a photo.
Another known fact is that female mantises sometimes eat their male partner. The head is triangular shaped with two large eyes. I could not make photos in such way to see the shape of the head. This little bugger was very fast running on the concrete sill. Still it cast nice shadow that I could use for some #shadowphoto contest.
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