12. — The Common European Praying Mantis {Mantis religiosa). a, a, adult 

 Mantids patiently waiting or ''praying'' for its prey ; b, b, adult 

 Mantids busily engaged eating live grasshoppers which they have captured 

 with their strong spined front legs; c, c, Mantid nymphs or young 

 Mantids ready to grab any unwaiy creature. All natural size from 



photos taken from life. 



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