The Wonderful Mantis

The Praying Mantis is a most interesting and beneficial insect to have on the farm. It is the only known insect to be able to turn its head and look over its shoulder (as its doing in the picture on the right). It is a general predator to most insects. You might be able to find a praying mantis on twigs, leaves, fences, and other vegetation which they don't eat. They are quick when attacking their prey, known to be two times quicker than an average housefly. They wait until prey is in reach before they snap at lighting quick speed. It's very beneficial to have these on a farm because they eat pests such as various aphids, leafhoppers, mosquitoes, caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects when young. Later they will eat larger insects, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and other pest insects. If you encounter a praying mantis, handle them with care or they can bite, and do not place them on the ground, as they can become easy prey for ants and other predators. A good location to place them is on vegetation so they can use their beneficial abilities such as killing off pests to promote growth on the farm. -Alex