These are all pictures I took at work (well, I volunteer here, but call it work). They're of one of the Desert Praying Mantis' (Sphodromantis spp) and I adore them. Don't worry, I don't try to cuddle them, but adore them with fascination. I frequently see people grimace when they see them and that's if they bother to look after spotting the enclosure label. It's saddening that so many people will overlook this species, but I hope you'll join the niche of people that love them.
There are thousands of genera of mantis and they live in a range of environments world wide, from the tropical rainforest's to deserts. Mantid's are so-called from the position they hold their front legs in - much like a person praying. But these forelimbs are much more than the origin of a name, they're weaponry valuable for survival. When hunting, praying mantis' will stalk or ambush their prey until they're within striking range, then reach out and grasp their prey at around one twentieth of a second! Once the prey is caught, be it an insect, small bird or reptile, there is no chance of escape as the forelimbs are edged with spikes that hold the meal in place. The predator then consumes it's prey and cleans its spikes of residual meat with its mandibles. Mantis' are incredibly strong, able to ambush prey 3 times their size without a strain. Fascinating creatures and an experience to see.
Here's a neat video I found of a Mantis ridding its owners of a pest, exhibiting its amazing speed and showing the grip they hold with their prey (link).
