The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which
are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position
of prayer.
Mantis Praying
The larger group of these insects is more properly called the
praying mantids. Mantis refers to the genus mantis, to which only
some praying mantids belong.
By any name, these fascinating insects are formidable predators.
They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated
thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their
surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple
eyes located between them.
Mantis Face
Typically green or brown and well camouflaged on the plants among
which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their
quarry.
Mantis In Camo
They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so
quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs
are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in
place. Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are
usually the unfortunate recipients of unwanted mantid attention.
However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The
most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the
adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even
during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from
reproduction. (Sounds like most male geocachers I know.)
The cache is a camoed peanut butter jar that initially held a
months supply of Mantis food and a couple of bugs that the owners
like. We had our researchers locate a place where Mantises thrive,
so it is likely that you will spot one or more of them when you
find the cache.
There is no writing instrument in the cache right now. So bring
a pen.
HAVE FUN!!
CONGRATULATIONS to artemistx for FTF