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Praying mantis
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
A praying mantis, or praying mantid, is the common name for an insect of the order Mantodea. Often mistakenly spelled preying mantis (an eggcorn, since they are notoriously predatory), they are in fact named for the typical "prayer-like" stance. The word mantis derives from the Greek word mantis for prophet or fortune teller. The preferred pluralization is mantids, though there is some usage of mantes or mantises. The world's largest praying mantis was recorded at 45 cm (18 in) long, in southern China, in 1929.
Like all insects, a praying mantis has a three- segmented body, with a head, thorax and abdomen. The abdomen is elongated and covered by the wings in adults. Females have strong and large cerci. The first thoracic segment, the prothorax, is elongated and from it arises the modified foreleg.
Praying mantids are often kept as pets, their unique behavior and generally easy rearing requirements making them popular in the exotic pet trade, rivaling tarantulas and scorpions. An average-sized insect container or fish tank will make a suitable home. They require branches to climb on, insects to hunt and water to drink. They will drink sprayed water out of a bottle and eat crickets, widely available in pet stores. |
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- soda
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 174 W: 67 N: 149]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(2631) - [2007-09-07 6:24]
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Hi Joao,
Lovely composition of this praying mantis and his shadow. Great Pic.
Well done and TFS.
Lise
Hi Joao, very simple, yet elegant shot. I'm glad he or she was looking at you. Good placement of the subject. TFS
i like the shadow of this praying mantis. she's looking at you... great shot!
tfs!
