Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis

Hello there! I'm the amazing Praying Mantis, your friendly neighbourhood stealth expert and ambush hunter! If you watch me closely, you'll be impressed by my captivating moves—it's like a little dance of Kung Fu in the wild! You might be surprised to learn that I’m a carnivore, delighting in a variety of tasty bugs that cross my path. My quick reflexes help me stay one step ahead of any predators that might have their eyes on me.

You can think of me as nature's ultimate ninja! Besides my speedy movements, I have a unique ability to rotate my head a full 180 degrees, giving me an exceptional view of my surroundings. My legs are strong, often compared to raptor legs, and I can capture prey that’s even larger than myself! With my impressive 3D vision, I strike with accuracy almost every time.

Did you know there are over 2,400 species of us mantids, each with its own distinct appearance? We can range from a tiny 1cm to a stunning 17cm in size, boasting an array of colours and shapes. Some of us blend in as vibrant green leaves, while others resemble dried brown foliage, and a few even look like beautiful flowers! While we may differ in appearance, we all share the same unique head shape and those striking big eyes.

Oh, and here’s a fun fact: scientists once thought I was deaf until 2016, when they uncovered that I actually have a unique “ear” tucked between my hind legs! Isn’t that fascinating? Plus, my blood is green, which sets me apart from many other creatures who have red blood. It’s all part of my intriguing biology!

Learn more about how you can take care of your little friend.

Click here to download the Praying Mantis care guide.