Praying Mantis

While most people think of the praying mantis as a relatively docile green insect, these insects can be found in many shades of green and brown, and they are one of the most deadly predators in your garden.

Related to termites and cockroaches, the praying mantis more than makes up for its bad relations as a voracious hunter. Praying mantis are deadly to insects of all sorts. Their long front legs allow them to move fast enough to capture flies and mosquitos!

Relying heavily on vision, the praying mantis has two large compound eyes in front, and three simple eyes behind. They can turn their head nearly 180-degrees in their search for food.

Female praying mantis are flightless but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. In fact, very often the female will decapitate her mate during or shortly after copulation. Yikes!

Praying mantis

Many gardeners (this one included) have purchased beneficial praying mantis egg cases (ootheca) online with the dream of a friendly hunter to combat aphids, caterpillars, moths, and earwigs. Unfortunately, the praying mantis isn't very discriminating. They will eat whatever they can capture, good or bad. Also, many of the online varieties are actually from other countries. The Chinese Mantid can grow large enough to capture, kill, and eat a hummingbird!

Praying mantis egg case

The best way to attract native praying mantis to your garden is to provide a welcoming habitat free of pesticides and herbicides. If mantis hatchlings will find that your yard does not have enough food to warrant staying, they soon leave.

​​In addition to being a good addition to your garden, Praying mantis are also said to make interesting pets...

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UPDATE: On 4/21/16, the egg case came to life! Tiny praying mantes emerged and began devouring pests almost immediately!