While walking along the south meadow, I saw a creature launch, fluttering and flapping out of the grass. As it propelled itself through the air, it reminded me of some whirligig invented in the initial days of flight exploration. I watched as it leap-frogged its way across the landscape. It was very noticeable while flying, but as soon as it landed, it quickly blended in with its surroundings.
Well-camouflaged to their environment, mantids are ambush predators. They wait motionless or slowly stalk their prey. This creature gets its name from holding its fore legs in a prayerful pose. These legs are armed with barbs that can snare an unsuspecting insect. They strike with lightning speed, and once in their grasp, their powerful mouthparts easily pierce through the armored exoskeleton. I’ve watched them munch and crunch a grasshopper effortlessly. I read that they are voracious eaters, even going so far as being cannibalistic! The female often devours the male after mating. I also read that as they emerge as tiny mantids in the spring, they will sometimes eat each other. It is easy to see why gardeners employ these amazing creatures to help keep other critters eating their garden in balance.
