Ninja Mantis!

Maybe you did not know that insects could do martial arts.  However, we have seen these guys in action many times over the years!  I will show you a few pictures throughout this post.

You cannot see me!

The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) are in the order Mantodea.  They like to eat other insects so they are considered a carnivore.  They are predators and are known as beneficial to farmers and gardeners.

Their babies are called nymphs, which means that they look just like their parents.  However, they do not have wings!

They can live in all climates, except where it is extremely cold.

They are camouflaged so they can sit and wait for their next meal!

Ninja Mantis

A cool story about an experience we had with a praying mantis took place a few years ago when I was collecting insects for a program (I will talk more about that in a later post!).  I happened upon a praying mantis and wanted to get a good picture of it before sending it off to the freezer for preservation.  We had it on a bottle top and it was doing its amazing ninja moves, so we were caught up in watching it.  My mom decided to video it because it was so fun to see.  Next thing we know...it decides to show off its flying skills and heads right for my dad.  I have never seen him jump so fast or so high!  I think he even squealed like a girl!  It was so funny!  He was not the only one to react but he was the funniest!  I wish I could show videos but I probably should be respectful and not show that to the public anyway!

Next post:  Walking sticks!