Surprising Praying Mantis Facts You Probably Didn't Know!

Find more Praying Mantis facts in our article: facts.net/nature/animals/pray...
The praying mantis is probably one of the world's deadliest insects. Even though they are harmless to humans, but it's a different story for other small creatures in the animal kingdom. The praying mantis is at the top of the insect food chain, preying on both small insects and also hunting bigger animals like birds, lizards, and fish.
Beyond their scary first impression, there’s still a lot more to know about these unique insects. Watch on to find out more surprising facts about the praying mantis in our Praying Mantis video!
0:51 The praying mantis got its name from its front legs.
1:11 Praying mantises are the only insects with stereo-vision.
1:24 The praying mantis has a weak sense of hearing.
1:42 Mantises are more common in warmer regions.
2:04 Some praying mantises can fly.
2:17 Praying mantis bites are not poisonous.
2:34 Praying mantises come in different ways of camouflage.
2:53 Most cultures associate them with stillness.
3:14 Praying mantises only live a maximum of a year.
3:25 The praying mantis life cycle has 3 stages.
3:52 Mating can be deadly for male mantises.
4:13 Females lay hundreds of praying mantis eggs in a small case.
4:27 Praying mantis eggs hatch in 3-4 weeks for smaller species.
4:37 Praying mantises often prey on birds.
5:01 A praying mantis has 5 eyes.
5:18 The flower mantis has a body that mimics orchids.
5:38 The Chinese mantis has a distinct brown slender body.
5:56 The Carolina mantis is a gardener’s best friend.
6:19 The European mantis is regarded as the archetype of a mantis.
6:41 Brown praying mantises aren't always brown.
6:51 Some praying mantises turn white.
7:09 Early civilizations believed that praying mantises had powers.
7:21 Praying mantises inspired a martial arts style.
7:41 Praying mantises only eat live prey.
7:51 A praying mantis can slash at predators.
8:08 An ancient Chinese text contains the earliest description of a praying mantis.
8:21 Praying mantises also bluff to scare away predators.
8:38 The praying mantis is most active during the day.
8:52 Praying mantises are attracted to artificial light.
9:04 Praying mantises rarely stalk prey.
Don't miss the other AMAZING facts on our website:
facts.net/

[@coolguyponus]

I was unaware that one was literally an inch away from my face until my girlfriend told me so. When I looked over at him, he was just looking at me all curious, and kind of cute. I then started talking to the mantis and it started slanting its head at me like I was talking to a dog. It was kind of awesome. I felt a connection 😅.

[@makerhandsavenue]

Mine does the same thing🌿

[@boataxe4605]

Did you warn him about getting laid?

[@coolguyponus]

@@redneckshaman3099 hell yeah

[@redneckshaman3099]

@@coolguyponus once you go black, it's like smoking crack 💕

[@urbnctrl]

Mantises are actually really smart and analyze your sound patterns

[@Woodstock271]

Living for decades in Hawaii, I’ve encountered Praying Mantis of lots of different types and I love them. The one thing they have in common is, they all know Kung Fu. When you get close, they go into a fighting stance. I’d move my finger to the side of them and they’d follow it. Get my finger closer and they’d throw a few mock jabs. Very gentle, it seems like they are playing. Just innocent sparring. When I’d get my finger within biting range, they’d never bite. Just crawl up on my hand and go into a stance again as if protecting me now. So cool. One time I was driving from the other side of the island and noticed a bright purple mantis on my hood. Most beautiful mantis I’d ever seen. Afraid he’d blow off my hood and get hurt, I pulled over to the side. Reached my hand out and he climbed right on. I’m always fascinated by how fearless and friendly they are. I brought him into my truck and set him gently on the dashboard. Named him Kimo. “Okay Kimo, you’re moving to Kaneohe. You’ll like it there. Lots of bugs.” Kimo just turned his head and looked at me like an alien dog as if he understood. We headed back home and I parked. Reached out to Kimo and he climbed on my hand again. I had the perfect spot for him next to my front door in the semi-shaded area where I had purple orchids growing in a money tree. He was almost the same color as the orchids and I let him crawl off on a branch, thinking I’d never see him again and that would be fine and normal. But Kimo wasn’t normal. I’d just gotten off work, took a shower and came outside to sit and play my guitar and relax under the orchids. Looked for Kimo but I couldn’t see him. Part of me wanted to search for him, but the better part of me decided he’s free and safe so I won’t bother him. I didn’t know Kimo could fly until he flew out of the orchids and landed on my shoulder. “There you are, buddy. I was worried about you. What kind of music do you like?” He started playing with my hair. Totally relaxed and having fun with his human friend. “You hungry? Let’s get you some food.” I put my guitar down and walked in the house with Kimo riding on my shoulder. Went into the cabinet and put a couple drops of maple syrup on the back of my hand. (Not for Kimo, for the flies) We walked back outside and sat down outside under the orchids and waited. Didn’t take long before flies were all over the maple syrup. Kimo went full-on Kung Fu and slowly crawled down my arm. Got in his stance and nailed a fly with lightning speed. Ate the thing starting with the head and eyes. “You’re pretty gross and ruthless, Kimo. Damn. Glad I’m not a fly near your bad ass.” I returned Kimo to the orchid tree and started to get dinner ready. My girlfriend is coming over as usual and I told her I have a new pet. She’s used to me and my fish, parrots, Jackson Chameleons I caught, so she’s like, “Oh God, Sean. What now?” I laughed. “You’ll see. His name is Kimo.” She drove over to the house. Still plenty of daylight left so Kimo will still be awake in the orchids. I checked the smoker in the back yard and the ribs need a few more hours. Told Dawn to hang out by the orchids and I’d show her my new pet. I think Hotel California is Kimo’s favorite song so I sat down next to her and started playing that. Before she could ask me about my new pet, Kimo came flying out of the orchids and landed on my shoulder. Dawn panicked, “A huge bug just landed on you!” I nodded. “Relax. You’re scaring him. This is Kimo.” Dawn relaxed and looked at him. “I’ve never seen a praying mantis that color. So beautiful! He looks just like the orchids here. Wow.” “Yep, but he’s not an orchid mantis, maybe a hybrid or something. Purple, pink stripes, and green legs. I tried to look this one up and it’s not listed as a species. I’m guessing a cross between an orchid mantis and a regular green mantis because his size and color are right between both. Cool huh?” So Kimo hung out on Dawn’s shoulder until the sun went down and he decided it was bedtime. Flew into the orchids, his new home, and we had dinner. Kimo lived with us for about a year in the orchids, visiting us and playing with us whenever he saw us. Coolest praying mantis ever. Not sure how long they live, but he just disappeared one day and I’ll never forget Kimo. He was a good bug.

[@JTA1961]

Thanks for sharing. Excellent from A~Z.

[@chipper7213]

Dude this can’t be real?

[@SherrilynnGrayer.prettyeyes]

Wa Wa love the story was lead to Research PM today ...I think your post was definitely something ii was to discover. Blessings from BARBADOS

[@lisahawkins1430]

We had a female show up in our garden. We named her Agatha. Every evening when we came home, she was waiting for us. She'd jump on my hand and run up to my shoulder. We would play music and she would tap her feet to the beat and away back and forth. This went on all summer then she was gone. We'd noticed she was deteriorating bit by bit. Aging I suppose. They have a short life span.

[@jacobrobichaux1576]

I just found a baby today, I think it's a male but it's too small to tell, I named him marvin for now though

[@_audacity2722]

Actually they live almost a full year.

[@makerhandsavenue]

We had ours for a few months now and she recently hatched her eggs☘️🌱

[@yarygork2334]

our large green one loved to be held and danced to music also!

[@makerhandsavenue]

@@yarygork2334 I didn't try playing music for mine, but she does like to crawl on my arm when I do not have on lotion.

[@sef7833]

I love that when you talk to one when you find one in your garden or in your house their little eyes appear to understand your words and seem to communicate with you through them. Cool little creatures 🤗💙

[@mjrotondi5086]

I think so too. Something about them. They rear up at humans in defense as well. I a,ways felt they are highly aware and intelligent.

[@st.charlesstreet9876]

True!😂

[@edengirly93]

My dad called me that he saw this insect. It's was cute. It was climbing my legs lol. I took it to the garden for safety. 💚

[@st.charlesstreet9876]

@@edengirly93 Same here! 😄 You must be a Good Person to go way out of your way to put it in the Paradise Garden 🥰

[@lukereeves8142]

Sorry but if I came across this in my house it would be getting swung at with a pan

[@jamesclukey7488]

The Preying mantis is very interesting. My sense of wonder is intrigued by how sometimes when we stop to look at nature, nature looks back ! I've had an interesting interaction with one when I was at work. I saw one while on patrol. It was a very windy night and a storm was coming in from the nearby lake. A Preying Mantis was on a cobblestone sidewalk so I stopped and addressed it saying, "fly away to a farmer's field little fellow. A storm is coming !" The Mantis turned it's head to look at me as I talked (very fascinating to see). I continued on my patrol around the University complex. As I neared the end of my walk something flew past my head and landed on the handle of the door I was approaching. It was the Mantis ! He turned his head to look back at me and I thanked him for accompanying me on my walk. Very unique experience !

[@nct948]

I love your story. Just a note: even though a mantis is good at preying in other insect, it is called a praying mantis because it holds its front legs like in a prayer.

[@roseogrady8785]

Precious.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I just love the praying mantis. One got stuck in my car grill and I pulled over and saved the insect. Brought it home and it is still hanging around. When I eat an apple the insect get some too. Hard to believe but the mantis eats the fruit. And I move the insect to a safer area when I mow the grass. Really a unique insect that just hangs around. Wish they would live a lot longer then they do. One of God's unique creations for us all to enjoy and keep an eye on.

[@isaiahkaulaity9467]

Recently have been finding a praying mantis on my car every night, so I decided to learn about them and that's how I ended up on this video. Haha

[@mdmcdd1117]

They supposedly bring good luck too, so maybe you should be playing power ball or the mega millions lol

[@jemadamson2715]

I have one thats been hanging around outside my apartment for a week now haha

[@coolkid6832]

I have just recently hatched some praying mantis eggs and they are very cool but very small

[@sanartalal4390]

Today I found a really tiny mantis on my leg and we became friends, I guess

[@samuelthomas4590]

Lmao same except on my house

[@jameyhunt3114]

got a nymph today, he’s so cute and gentle, loves being handled. he’s called benedict! they’re amazing and so interesting to watch! so easy to take care of as well! loved the facts!

[@JediMasterLucia]

Enjoy your mantis. I am keeping them for a few years. I love this insects

[@Ms_Wolf]

I love the name you chose!

[@TheTempestCFV]

What do you feed it?

[@jameyhunt3114]

@@TheTempestCFV he mainly eats grasshoppers as he seems to like them more but every now and then i give him crickets so he has some variety. i tried him on meal worms as a treat but he didn’t like them too much :)

[@teejay6063]

😆 @ "Benedict". Perfect name 👍

[@GoldenAgeMuse]

My cat showed up with a giant Praying Mantis (over 6”) in his mouth. When I got Jackie Boy to let me have it, the damn thing bit me I put him in a tree then bitched the Mantis out, eyeball to eyeball. The next morning I’m sitting in the back yard with my Coffee and the Mantis flew by my face landing on a trunk of a tree and then making sure I was watching began the shuck and dive dance in Gratidude. Love these creatures.

[@thecakeisalie6392]

Does it's bite hurt?

[@GoldenAgeMuse]

@@thecakeisalie6392 no, more of a shock reaction to being bitten than of any pain inflicted. No blood was spilled! LOL LOLLIPOP … Plus the added dance of redemption I was privy to seeing him perform the next morning as I sat quietly drinking my Coffefee! “The wonder of nature”.

[@whatthedeuce3545]

"Some species growing up to 6"?" I have seen one that was 8" from end to end. It was caught wild in Southern California (Canoga Park). It was put into a large (3 LB.) coffee can, and touched both bottom and top at the same time. It was the largest one I ever saw. Iwas about 8 years old then. Now I am 65.

[@mdmcdd1117]

I hear the Giant mantises in some warm environments like Africa and Asia, can get to a foot in length.

[@Squillaempusa.]

Yea. I befriended one in Asia much larger than 6" too.

[@kaifreeman294]

I saw one a couple of year's back that was nearly 8'' and it's eye's were red. A fact that they didn't cover in the video was that when that happens it means that they are angry. When there eye's are green then that's a normal pattern for them. The one that I saw the other day was around 6'' and it's eye's were green. It brought me some luck, "hence my comment" Lol

[@lordhawkridge4116]

@@kaifreeman294 that's..... Entirely untrue. If you encounter them in the dark, their eyes will be dark red/black because it's adapted to low light. It can take a while for them to return to daylight eyes.

[@whatthedeuce3545]

I can only speak from my experience.

[@orleansartist6095]

They can learn to recognize an individual. They make great pets.

[@teejay6063]

Saw one on my mail route today. Had to go to a customer's door for a signature and he was chillin on the screen. I decided to call the customer from the front lawn and not disturb it so we could both gawk at its awesomeness. He was kind enough to let me take pics of it. Probably 3 to 4 inches in length. Don't remember when I saw one last.

[@ginafriend1690]

Praying Mantis are Awesome. Uniquely their own! Just don't take away My hummingbirds! "Everybody was Kung fu fighting"

[@ClaudiaRPost]

I love the way they swivel their heads to watch you. It’s cute.

[@lisanidog8178]

What a beautiful insect. I'm fascinated by their eyes.

[@nct948]

Isn't it cute how they wash their face daintily like cats do

[@watermelonwishes4193]

I know, right?? That's too cute. 🥰🥰🥰

[@Cuccos19]

Praying mantises are very facinating and actually - for me - beautiful creaturs.

[@basicwhitemillennialstraig8586]

I had a pet mantis that lived tree years. guess I did a good job caring for her.

[@mdmcdd1117]

That's amazing. It lived two years past the time where 99% of mantises die. Smh.

[@jeffkatt]

How did you know it was a female?

[@basicwhitemillennialstraig8586]

@@jeffkatt when adults the females wings are shorter then her abdomen

[@jeffkatt]

@@basicwhitemillennialstraig8586 got it! 😉👍🏾

[@robertbourke8618]

I just rescued one from a spiders web on my front door and wanna keep him. Any tips on feeding, watering, where to keep him??

[@emkkahn]

I like spiders more than insects, but the Praying Mantis is my favorite insect by far. I live far too north to have any of them in my garden during the summer, so I rely on the spiders to take care of the hungry bugs eating my veggies. But I would love to have Mantises if I could. I think they are the most beautiful insect ever! Every version of their species is gorgeous...

[@kaifreeman294]

Fact # 31, they also bring "Good Luck" & "Fortune". There was one that was hanging around my house for a couple of day's. The day he left, I found $100 on the street. Then a couple of day's later, I received certain cable station's for free (that I wouldn't normally get) that I wasn't charged for. That was a mistake on the cable company but "If that's not luck then I don't know what is" "lol"

[@patriciacolombini6567]

During my pregnancy, I saw a praying mantis three times in three different locations. I had difficulty during my 25 hour delivery. Everything was okay.

[@sunlight5106]

Hey its been there in my bed stickig for more than 1 month i thought it was dead its not moving but closing looking its sticking out leg so i put him out of the room and drop somewhr else its still not moving idk

[@jerrypolverino6025]

i love these guys. They are smart and friendly. Put one on your hand and talk to it in a high pitched voice. It will look at you and listen.

[@michelebrotman5345]

I am thrilled every time I see one of these creatures. They are beautiful and fascinating. I like the way they swivel their head and look at you . I still don't have the courage to let a full grown one crawl on me, but I will puck up the babies! Thans for the video!

[@GrnXnham]

The Chinese Mantis was accidentally introduced to the United States over 100 years ago. When I was a kid, I kept one as a pet. Being about 5 inches long, I remember my mantis being the most popular "show and tell" pet EVER at school when I was in grade school. I kept her on a "leash" attached to my hand.

[@jessicalinbarnett]

I seen a praying mantis outside the window at my job but they come in different colors they’re really awesome ❤️

[@lisanidog8178]

In first grade many centuries ago a classmate had one on a string leash. I had one for a few hours 13 years ago. I let him go on my back hedges, offered him an earthworm to thank him for being my buddy for a few hours and he took it and had a grand old time eating. I got a little queasy watching but was honored he took my worm gift.

[@tsutl84]

2 things you got right if only considering wild praying mantis, but not always correct in captivity: 1) Praying mantis will eat dead food if given to them directly and they aren't spooked by the utensil used. 2) They will actively stalk pray in captivity. They learn to associate the space with food and will actively look for food when hungry.

[@kateg.1386]

Question: Do they live longer (than a year) in captivity?

[@jonathanroode6409]

@@kateg.1386 They can, but will usually top out in the 12-18 month range regardless. The larger species will typically live longer. They can make pretty interesting pets too; I've kept several and really enjoyed having them.

[@elanahammer1076]

These creatures are so fascinating. I have never been bit by one. They seem to love me. They also are fun to watch them literally change colors in front of your eyes. Thank you 🤔❤🇺🇸

[@sopowae2189]

This morning when I opened my door I noticed there was a praying mantis on the terrace,, I took some photos. After some time it tried to fly but it was too weak. I sprinkled some water on it and to my surprise it siped it, meanwhile I managed to video it. Some time after that it managed to fly to a tree nearby. I hope it can find its life back to the nature. Thank you for visiting me , you make my whole day.

[@marlenaforbes-reidy9876]

Love these critters,

[@randy4768]

When I was a kid watching a green one on a green vine. It caught a fly in midair as the fly flew right in front. Super fast. VERY COOL!!

[@Nick-dr4ec]

Fun fact: Praying mantis closest relatives are the cockroaches. It's funny how roaches are the most hated while their relative mantises are one of the most loved insects

[@fredrichenning1367]

You missed an important one. A praying mantis can tilt, bob and rotate its head like a human being. It's the ONLY insect that can do this.

[@patriciayohn6136]

Another cool creature of the insect world is the walking stick which I was fortunate enough to see one up close at my Daughter's house on day with my Granddaughter's approximately 4 & 6 years old at the time right in the flower beds beside the front steps. My Granddaughter's were completely fascinated as was I! Nature is so beautiful!

[@angelusa73]

I LOVE this bug and I am very interested animal. Mine was on the step going to my front door in my house in Connecticut in the States and I found it in the spring and I am happy to know it survived the very harsh new England winter. Angela Umbria Italy :)

[@anim8torfiddler871]

Thank you for this video. Knowing just a little about the difficulty of finding film or video shots to match the narration, I MUST compliment the people who put this together! The Shots are consistently excellent - staging, focus, lighting; And the narration matches the action, in addition to providing detailed information that just doesn't show up in most KZbin videos. I'm subscribing and hoping for more!! Not very many insects that actually look back at you when you get close and talk to them...

[@chrismoore7287]

They are very cool and creepy at the same time.

[@istvantoth7431]

The perfect 2am content to watch..

[@bluemoon3699]

I had a praying mantis in my house. Don't ask how it got there. The pest repellers were going to kill it, so I decided to put it outside. It went into a pot. I picked up the pot and started to head out. Suddenly the mantis flew out of the pot... And just like that, my cat jumped up and snatched up that mantis in his mouth (like a dog with a bone) and ran out of the room. I'm going "Crap! It's dead now." But then I saw the cat had dropped it in the hall. So I took him outside. The cat still had all it's whiskers.

[@joebaumgart1146]

Mine just died at 1 year and 3 months. She was cool. I talked to her in asl because she couldn't hear. She was an Orchid mantis named Stacy. She wasn't named after anyone in particular.

[@davidluna8372]

Very good and informative .

[@user-dk5vj2br1o]

I luv my mantises!!there so awesome!i luv letting roam my inside plants esp.when them damn flies sum how get inside ur house in the summer!!they do a great job!

[@loversandlosers]

i feel like its the scariest insect to imagine as giant

[@bluemoon3699]

They are the super predator of the insect world. They should be called preying mantis.

[@mayasouthall8432]

I’m watching this with one sat in my bedroom lmao

[@JOHNKLERK69]

lol same !!!a big green mantis

[@CbAss-y2k]

I was totally worried buying some mantis releasing them in my back yard and getting attached by birds

[@teriyaki_chicken.]

Hold on. *THEY FLY.* OH HELLLL NO-

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Well they do have wings

[@beepboop7219]

Some of them, most don't

[@jessicalinbarnett]

Some do fly yes but some do not 💚💚

[@andrewthacker114]

Interesting, thanks

[@rayanthonyusi8204]

Praying mantis are cute

[@dennisray5314]

31, I have heard that the preying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head.

[@ellhullio26]

We sometimes had Praying Mantis show up on shipments of Floral; when I worked years as Janitor for Grocery Store. Coworkers would complain to me, "get rid of that discussing insect! It looks poisonous !!" I'd always find a way to trap it without hurt, paper or plastic bag perhaps; bring it out behind receiving, set free in small forest back there. At times the Mantis would just stay still on my outreaching hand, so why trap it? I'd just walk quickly to wooded area behind receiving, and it'd calmly crawl onto a tree brach or leaf.

[@JTA1961]

Good for you

[@BitcoinHowTo2023]

some real nice facts!¤!

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Lizard: im gonna rip your head of Mantis: no u

[@EdmundiumHitting]

Previously Lizard: Hey let me go! Human hand: no I’m gonna hold you here so this bug can eat you alive for views!

[@goldog2816]

Been my favorite insect for years

[@Bibiana862]

my absolute favorite animal are mantis and fruit bats ,and my most loving person is Freddie Mercury

[@angelmilstein2693]

Thank you for your work. It was very interesting! I like it!

[@_insertchannelname]

2:18 dang that praying mantis a savage-

[@menschenmampfer]

2:26 bro was flabbergasted

[@Jolenebirch]

I remember catching a baby praying mantis yesterday I think it was an L one or two and I bring it in the store with me and I put it on my mask and everybody just kept staring at me

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Thank you this was so helpful,as I have had a few of these in my yard.

[@belitalia3975]

Praying Mantis are also friendly to humans. ^__^. I love how the Lord Jesus made them like that.

[@GravyIzSicK]

I witnessed a mantis eat it’s mate, and it was awesome to say the least. You could hear her crunch right threw the others’ abdomen. I swear she held the two halves up in victory when finished

[@canetenestor3451]

2:29 music is creepy

[@dianalee07]

Three years??!!! That’s amazing!!!!

[@patriciayohn6136]

I live in South Central Pennsylvania and about two months ago I went out to water the Flores on my deck and noticed what I would call an immature brown colored mantis on my plant and talked softly to it and left it alone. Two years ago, my Husband and I were in Bedford PA for my birthday and there were torrential rainstorms while we were there, after coming back to our hotel that evening, I was fortunate enough to rescue an immature mantis from the deluge under the portico at the hotel who was struggling to get to cover an high ground. Finally, my best mantis story was what I HAVE TO CALL A PRAYING MANTIS APOCALYPSE which took place in the early 1990's in mid state PA it was about 10:00 PM and my Husband, Daughter and myself pulled into a truck stop for some late dinner, we all knew that Preying Mantis are protected insects, at least they are in PA when we opened our vehicle doors we were immediately attacked by mantises flying into our vehicle and the ground outside was COMPLETELY COVERED WITH THEM AS WELL AS ALL OTHER CARS AND THE BUILDING WE WERE TRYING TO GET TO. The building was literally painted with them as well as the parking lot and all vehicles. We were totally famished and cried having to walk over them to get inside to eat and worse yet they were still there when we had to make it back to our vehicle. I will NEVER FORGET THE MANTIS APOCALYPSE AS LONG AS I LIVE! Everyone in that location that night was truly affected by that Biblical incident and we were all so sad that we unfortunately had to kill some walking, but we also had to fight them off because the were also bombarding people. This occurred at the STOP 35 TRUCK STOP just off Route 322 about 1994/95 in PA.

[@tm5346]

I seen one this year I haven’t see one for years beautiful magnificent

[@murtasimwriter]

I had a mantis he's just died because of this I don't know what was that his eyes was red and he was weak. I miss him so much 💔

[@thomashill6347]

One of the insect world I do enjoy seeing them and ants Thanks for sharing this fascinating information

[@bluemoon3699]

My brother used to watch the red ants battle the black ants. Red have poison bite, so they would win. They fought like armies.

[@spooky9030]

They are really beautiful creatures to say the least

[@charlie6629]

I disagree with the lifespan. Had an adult one for 3 years before I released it. Great pets and their eyes turn red when they are pissed. Not a good time to pick one up. Some people they dislike as well. Mine hated my ex wife. I think he go that from me.

[@yarygork2334]

he knows thst the females eat their mates after breeding so hes got good bug instincts!

[@rogerhegemier8491]

40 years ago i had a Really mean Ex wife also, and my Mantis, actually took her out Boohoo !!! i told the kids she went on an extended vacation !!!

[@oldrabidus2230]

Imagine being eaten alive by an animal with a mouth the size of a 1” drill bit. It clamps you tight, you can’t move...It starts eating your feet first. 😬

[@Squillaempusa.]

They eat a lot of different insects such as moths, eyes first. They also eat cricket legs like French fries

[@oldrabidus2230]

@@Squillaempusa. They are the assholes of the insect world. But sure are fascinating.

[@curanki8868]

i found a dead one in my garden today... its so f***ing scary

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

Where do you live?

[@curanki8868]

@@whitemailprivilege2830 eastern europe, no idea how it got here

[@KyleTheShaman]

They live all around the world

[@Bibiana862]

@@curanki8868 they live all around the world In Europe they are absolute normal

[@curanki8868]

@@Bibiana862 I've never seen one before, and I haven't seen one since

[@philipnorris6542]

Mantises are certainly cool critturs.

[@Beth9228]

Back in the late 1990’s that I saw them around my apartment. They are so cute insects. The first one that I saw that I was in my mother’s Ford Escort station wagon. I saw it sitting in the window of the car and my mother gently moved it away. I seen them in green or tan colored.

[@John-od9zp]

I saw one on the ground last week and i picked it up on my finger and i said hi to it.

[@michelleworrell5815]

I have a Praying Mantis in my kitchen window.. I seen him trying to catch a fly.. He gets in my plants and changes colors.. He’s so cool.. He’s welcome to stay there just as long as he does scare me.. lol❤

[@dpgreen11]

I fed one yesterday, I found a catipiler and set it right by it and when I came back out about 4 minutes later it had already eaten the head. I kept checking in on it and finished it in about 30 minutes or so

[@jlg823]

I showed some kids how to catch flies alive, which they fed to a mantis. A mantis will eat every fly given to it. Those kids spent a lot of time feeding that mantis that summer.

[@williamdegraaf7542]

When i was in 5th grade, Our science teacher told us to collect caccoons from tree branches for a project, Well over one weekend they hatched to our surprise monday morning when the classroom windows were covered 1000s of praying mantises.

[@MasterOfViewership]

#25 reminded me that my wife and I once saw a tiny mantis on a stairwell rail and when I got close, it raised its front claws and made a small slashing motion

[@poojarana441]

good one.

[@yarygork2334]

Had a large green one named Ralph as a pet. Ralph laid eggs so she became Ralphina. Very smart and kept us kids entertained hunting bugs for her and she always ate them head first.

[@mmaries9052]

These seem to find me outside wherever I live

[@paulfrancis8836]

Their cute creatures.

[@jason_from_vice_city]

When I was a kid I thought that mantis's are just bigger version of grasshoppers (due to the green colour).....at that time I catch one mantis and one grasshopper....and put them in a bottle😁.....after the night I only saw the mantis......that was happened when I was 2 or 3 years old.......I don't know why but now I regret it....sorry for the grasshopper😭

[@wandaswavely2523]

I love to hold them, the other week I had one that was 8 in long, it just sat there until I put it on a bush..

[@samuelraymond8834]

We brought one in our house that had lived in our garden box once it started getting cold outside this fall. It lives in our plants and we feed it crickets. It has no problem taking a cricket from us.

[@HerbsForUs]

I just had a dream ab them so here I am. I see them in meditation also. Mantis beings.

[@yarygork2334]

wow thats crazy kewl! I bonded with one as a kid and she laid eggs that hatched.

[@martinphilip8998]

Folklore has it that if you’re lost in the jungle in Laos and come across a mantis. Look to see where his head is pointing. That’s the way home. But I wouldn’t count on it. A mantis is attracted to light because that’s where the insects are.

[@lisanidog8178]

Those spikes are sharp.

[@phatsquirrel9315]

The music is the best 🤣

[@shellyblanchard5788]

My mother didn't like them. She heard they would spit in your face. She was afraid of them. She really didn't know about them. I thought they were cute.😊

[@ANDROLOMA]

Sounds like my neighbor's children.

[@shellyblanchard5788]

@@ANDROLOMA yeah, she thought I guess they were defending themselves with that action, it never happened , they would just turned their head and look at me. 😁.

[@MasterOfViewership]

I think the praying mantis is really cool

[@amy-joe5772]

I think they are cute

[@JamesSmith-pc6bh]

I love them.

[@Hellfurian1972]

Imagine if they grew to the size of a polar bear

[@roseogrady8785]

Interesting.

[@lisanidog8178]

Had no idea they had smaller eyes as well. Coool!

[@JTA1961]

Me either

[@letsgobrandon7297]

They are attracted to artificial light because that’s what all their dinner is attracted too...ever notice when you turn your outside porch light on and all the bugs come?

[@prayingmantisboy]

Number 8: mantis actually moves towards them.

[@jaymorgenthal9479]

Never, ever kill them. They get rid of loads of pests

[@bridgetjones8339]

They seem to have intelligence and communication skills