what you need to know about praying mantis

The name mantis is derive from a Greek word meaning 'prophet'or 'soothsayer' and refers {as also does epithet 'praying'} to the habitual attitude of the insect. Standing motionless on its four hinder legs with the forelegs raised as if  In prayer it is waiting. For unwary insects to stray within reach.'preying mantis' would be a more suitable name. The forelegs are spined and the joint called the tibia can be snapped back against the femur,rather as the blade  of penknife snaps into its handle,to form a pair of grasping organs which seize and hold any. Unfortunate victims.
     Mantises, or praying Mantises as they are often called, feed mainly in tropical or sub tropical countries. Most of  the smallest are about an inch long. They have narrow eathery forewings and large fan -shaped hindwings when not in use. Most Mantises can fly, but they do not readily take to flight and seldom go far.
       About 1800 species are known, the most familiar species being the European mantis. Mantis religiosa, which lives in the Mediterranean region and has been introduced into eastern North American.