It is undeniably a rather impressive insect. Watching them may provide us with a lesson in patience. Carnivorous and camouflaged, it gets its name for the way their front legs are bent in a 'praying' motion. Most Mantis species are green or brown as to blend in with leaves and foliage which enables them to patiently stalk insects, such as flies and grasshoppers.
These fearsome predators are capable of of killing prey 3x its size! They have an appetite for delicacies such as mice, small tortoises, and even snakes. They strike twice as fast as the blink of an eye. After its catch, they devour the unlucky prey slowly with its sharp mandibles.
They are viewed as a beneficial insect, as they eat many unwanted insects that could be harmful to humans. Killing a Pray Mantis, would be ignorant and cruel. They could be kept as pets. Are they harmful to humans? Their bites are non venomous and cause little harm to humans, like a prick. They are very quick and will run if threatened by something that they can't control. They do have pinches and can pinch a person, but that is rare and not harmful. They don't spit as some believe.
I recently watched a video of a snake honing in on a Pray Mantis, and thought poor Mantis. It sat still though as if there were nothing to be concerned about. As the snake attacked its lunch, The front pinches closed in on the snakes head and immediately started eating on its live prey. I was utterly amazed at the big hole it ate in the body of the snake. The hunter became the hunted! Astounding that this little insect could have a snake for dinner!! Perhaps it's a result of its patient demeanor. The though entered my mind about what we can achieve when patiently think things through before we act. Video.
Sources : Wikipedia, Own content, Pixabay.
