praying mantis
A praying mantis on a tree branch, Photograph by Tim Laman
Praying Mantis Profile:
The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which
are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position
of
prayer
. The larger group of these insects is more properly called the
praying mantids. Mantis refers to the genus mantis, to which only
some praying mantids belong.
By any name, these fascinating insects are formidable predators.
They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated
thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their
surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple
eyes located between them.
Typically green or brown and well camouflaged on the plants among
which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their
quarry. They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes
so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their
legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning
it in place.
Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are usually
the unfortunate recipients of unwanted mantid attention. However,
the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The most famous
example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult
female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even
during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from
reproduction.
Females regularly lay hundreds of eggs in a small case, and nymphs
hatch looking much like tiny versions of their parents.
Fast Facts:
Type: Bug
Diet: Carnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 12
Months
Size: 0.5 to 6 in (1.2 to 15 cm) long
Did you know? Praying mantids’ excellent
eyesight allows some to see movement up to 60 feet (18 meters)
away.
Size relative to a tea cup:
***Now, about the cache…
You are looking for a well camoflagued, pre-formed, two litre soda
bottle. The cache is being very closely guarded by the
creature described above. The cache contains only a small log
sheet. You will need to bring your own pen or pencil.
Please, try to use only one line when signing. Replace both
the creature and the container as well as, or better than you found
it.
ENJOY!!!
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