The Mantis: her Nest 



blindness of chance is endowed with mar- 

 vellous foresight. 



The blunt end of the nest is the first part 

 built by the Praying Mantis and the tapering 

 end the last. The latter is often prolonged 

 into a sort of spur made by drawing out 

 the final drop of albuminous fluid used. 

 To complete the whole thing demands about 

 two hours of concentrated work, free from 

 interruption. 



As soon as the laying is finished, the 

 mother withdraws, callously. I expected to 

 see her return and display some tender feel- 

 ing for the cradle of her family. But there 

 is not the least sign of maternal joy. The 

 work is done and possesses no further interest 

 for her. Some Locusts have come up. One 

 even perches on the nest. The Mantis 

 pays no attention to the intruders. They are 

 peaceful, it is true. Would she drive them 

 away if they were dangerous and if they 

 looked like ripping open the egg-casket? 

 Her impassive behaviour answers no. What 

 is the nest to her henceforth? She knows it 

 no more. 



I have spoken of the repeated coupling of 

 the Praying Mantis and of the tragic end of 

 the male, who is nearly always devoured like 



163 



