Most species of the Praying Mantis are not endangered and many are kept as pets. They are also good to have in your yard as they will eat other insects. Although they sit still a lot and look slow, they are extremely fast when they move to attack their prey. There are over 2,000 species of praying mantis.
Today’s insect of the day is a pregnant Praying Mantis. This week I have shared posts about spiders and butterflies that my daughter and I had conversations over. Last evening my grandson came running up to me with the same excitement and intense interest sparkling in his eyes that she had as a child. My heart is so full with love and pride. He brought me a pregnant Praying Mantis and was using such care and protection for her “belly full of babies”, as he stated. At one point she even jumped onto his face and he didn’t panic but instead gently scooped her from his nose and placed her on my hibiscus tree.
Praying Mantis cool facts and need-to-know information
Although the female praying mantis is known for devouring the male’s head during mating, the fact is that this cannibalism occurs only rarely and only among a few species. Praying mantises (Hierodula patellifera) belongs to the order Mantodea, in 15 families and 2,400 known species.
Praying mantis eggs hatch after three to six months; the young hang from their oothecae until their skins harden. These nymphs have incomplete metamorphosis, which means they look like tiny adults. Their wings will gradually form, appearing full after their final molt. As adults they’ll live about a year.
Please enjoy the links I have attached if you would like to learn more about the incredible Praying Mantis. We were able to create a short video of our mom to be friend. Very cool stuff for a GG and her Grandson to share with each other and you. Enjoy
Noellie's Place 
Thank you for sharing this! I adore praying mantis and was quite upset that we didn’t have any hanging around the outside of our house this year.
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I know, I love seeing them around the yard and house too. I saw a few over the summer but this was a true blessing to be able to interact with and take so many photos.
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Really incredible pictures you took! 🦗 😁
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thank you Becky
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You’re most certainly welcome! Have a great day! 💌
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🙂you too
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A fascinating discovery and video! I’m glad to know they have a relatively long lifespan and hatching period as insects go. I hope that I’d be as calm if one jumped on my face.
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Thank you and I’m not sure I would be either. He was a real trooper. 🙂
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Wow, I loved your post, and the video. Did you see any of her babies? I think their mouth is really strange. I ran across another one last Saturday and got some closer pictures. I would love to get a video someday! I’m so glad you shared your link. Thank you! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you 😊 I haven’t seen babies yet but we are on the look out for them. I couldn’t believe how long she allowed us to photograph and video tape her. And yes the mouth is quite alien and frightening actually, right?
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Yeah, that mouth is weird. But their face is cute 🙂
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Thanks Noellie for sending the link. Enjoyed seeing your post on the Praying Mantis! Really Cool Images!
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Thank you 🙂
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