Mantises are commonly found in meadows, gardens, and clearings.
They are ideal inhabitants of rose and vegetable gardens, for they voraciously devour aphids, leafhoppers, mites, flies, and grasshoppers.


"Most people will recognize this insect when they see one. They’re large, elongated insects with triangular heads that can swivel around. The color is usually tan, grayish, or green. The top two corners of the triangular head are dominated by the bulging compound eyes. The first pair of legs are raptorial — they are perfect for grasping and holding prey, just like a raptor’s claws. To this end, the forelegs are large, powerful, and equipped with spines. When not in use, these forelegs are usually held up and folded together, making it look like the insect has its hands held together in prayer (hence the name praying mantis)."

Because of its hunting ferocity, the praying mantis has also been dubbed "the dragon of the insect world."

Although they look fierce and dangerous, praying mantises are harmless to humans and are beneficial to flower and vegetable gardeners. They are Nature's control of insects that can destroy flowering and other plants.