Praying Mantis
By Bathgate
4 Aug, 2014
3 likes
Females regularly lay hundreds of eggs in a small case, and nymphs hatch looking much like tiny versions of their parents. Cleverly disguised among the leaves, this green praying mantis can swivel its head nearly 180 degrees to spot potential prey.
Comments on this photo
This one here is about 4 inches but it's just a juvenile. A full grown mantis can reach 8 inches. There are various species living throughout the world each one different size. They mainly eat other insects but the larger ones can catch small rodents and reptiles. Sometimes they eat each other esp during mating.
5 Aug, 2014
They need to watch out for each other then , B'gate .
Can't be trusted !
I'm surprised that they eat rodents and reptiles though .
8 Aug, 2014
yes, generally they are solitary creatures and just tend to themselves. They are harmless to us. I've held them in my hand and let them crawl up my arm. I find them very fascinating especially when they look you in the eye. They are great helpers in keeping the pesky bugs under control - the destructive ones.
8 Aug, 2014
How big is this B'gate ?
We had one fly into the house when we lived in Singapore , but it was more yellow and rather large , if I remember correctly .
What do they live on ?
4 Aug, 2014