Praying Mantis

insects · predators · camouflage

Why "praying". When a mantis holds still with its front legs folded up, it looks like it's praying. Really, it's getting ready to grab dinner!

Heads that turn. Mantises have triangular heads with bulging eyes on a flexible neck, so they can swivel and look around like almost no other insect.

Super-grippy arms. Their enlarged front legs are perfect for catching and holding onto prey with a tight, spiky grip.

Found everywhere. There are over 2,400 species of mantises living in warm and mild places all around the world.