There are over 2,400 species mantis across the globe. The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggesting the mantis is praying. Generally green or brown, and in this case purple, this predator is well camouflaged on the plants among which they live. Mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their quarry, then use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place. Ancient Greet Egypt, and Assyrian civilizations believed mantises had supernatural powers. The southern African Khoi and San traditions considered them gods, and ancient Mediterranean peoples called them necromancers. Mantises are the most common insects to be kept as pets. .............................................................................. #earth #science #nature #animals #education