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Praying mantids

Mantis religiosa

These are large insects, from 4.7 to 5.6 cm long, pale green to greyish-brown in colour. They are easily recognizable by their characteristic grasping forelegs, adapted to capturing prey, and their long “neck,” or prothorax.

The very mobile head has a pair of antennae and ends in a small mouth. With their large compound eyes and three simple eyes, praying mantids have exceptionally good vision for insects.

Two pairs of wings are attached to the thorax. Long, slender forewings protect the second pair of wings, normally folded, that open up like fans.

Females are much larger than males.






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