Sitting on the screen of the back porch yesterday morning this huge praying mantis, probably Mantis religiosa, kept an eye on me as I pulled out my camera to take its portrait. A praying mantis is often mistakenly referred to in text as a "preying" mantis. But this mistake is quite understandable as the mantids are carnivorous and will eat any insect they can capture. They are considered highly beneficial by gardeners who place their egg cases in the garden. Awesome eye sight, quick reflexes, and powerful limbs are all characteristics of a ferocious creature. I am glad that mantids remain small!
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