THE REARHORSES, OR PRAYING 

 MANTIDS 



(Family Mantida.) 



The insects of this family formed the old Orthopterous group, 

 known as Raptoria, or graspers. They are predatory insects, 

 and are characterized by having a long, slender prothorax, with 

 the first pair of legs fitted for grasping their prey. They are like 

 the Phasmidae, much more abundant in tropical regions than 

 elsewhere, and, while many forms, by their shape and color, 

 exhibit striking instances of protective resemblance, in others are 

 seen in its highest development the phenomenon of aggressive 



Fig. 215. Stagmomantis Carolina. (After Glower.) 



resemblance. The so-called flower mantids in tropical countries 

 closely resemble the flowers of certain plants, especially brilliant 

 orchids, and in these flowers they lurk awaiting the visits of 

 insects, which they capture. They have various popular names, 



326" 



