Mantis

Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 430 genera in 15 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks. Their elongated bodies may or may not have wings, but all Mantodea have forelegs that are greatly enlarged and adapted for catching and gripping prey; their upright posture, while remaining stationary with forearms folded, has led to the common name praying mantis. -Everipedia

In your garden

If you find a mantis in your garden it is a sign of a healthy environment. Many gardeners use mantises as a type of pest control. Though you may find that they show up on your plants, you can also purchase them and introduce them into your garden to control pests. You can leave the nasty pesticides behind and let nature do the work.

Central California

Taken with my iphone