This is a predatory insect who does none of the above Bath. You have one thing right and that it is a "he" who is at this time is in search of a female to fertilize so his natural life cycle can be completed. So he is now making himself quite conspicuous as well as the female. As for the details of this insect search for it on the web. If you can come by it, the famous French entomologist Henri J, Fabre wrote an absolutely beautiful field observation of the mantis and others which I consider a must read for anyone interested in the natural world. Also I recommend a book by the great American naturalist Edmund Way Teal, "The Strange Lives Of Familiar Insects". Both of these naturalists were inspirational to me. Their writings are still in print. In my blog about the cicada,you know, the one Aristotle liked to consume, you will see in my garden insect collection both male and female mantids. The female is the larger one on the right bottom of the Riker mount.

Loose, I already know the answers!!! My point was to spark an actual conversation with a living human being. You mean I can check the internet? Says who?

in that case : of course they do in one's imagination they can do anything.

wish we had them in the uk as a native.

wonderful insects, even their classification has a clue to them in its name order Mantodea. Learning the common insect classification was a fav 'homework' of one of our uni lecturers. I am amazed at how well I learnt them as I can remember so many of them from then.

Lovely looking insects - With SBG, I wish we had them here.

He must have inspired many Sci Fi movies - Aliens? ET? I remember bringing one to school. They are actually quite docile but do a valuable service in the garden.

In Latino folklore, they are venomous, and one of my co-workers from Mexico avoids them at all costs, but there is no basis in reality for this belief. The ones around here can also apparently change color: I have seen green on green leaves, tan on wooden fences. ivory on white flowers, mustard on yellow flowers, and even a dusty lilac on a lavender rose!

That's pretty cool! Here's a pic of the 'orchid mantis'. Amazing how he blends in so perfectly!

SBG - What is the literal translation of the name 'Mantodea'?

the origins are Greek . Mantos means something like a holy man, hence the praying part of its common name.
the 'odea' part is to do with the physical appearance.

Interesting - I'm looking out my window and see he is still out there on the same patch of flowers. I hope he says a prayer for me. I need it. lol