THE PRAYING MANTIS 



open; the wings spread to their full extent and stand 

 erect like sails, towering over the insect's back; the tip 

 of the body curls up like a crook, rising and falling with 

 short jerks, and making a sound like the puffing of a 

 startled Adder. Planted defiantly on its four hind-legs, 

 the Mantis holds the front part of its body almost up- 

 right. The murderous legs open wide, and show a pat- 

 tern of black-and-white spots beneath them. 



In this strange attitude the Mantis stands motionless, 

 with eyes fixed on her prey. If the Locust moves, the 

 Mantis turns her head. The object of this performance 

 is plain. It is intended to strike terror into the heart 

 of the victim, to paralyse it with fright before attacking 

 it. The Mantis is pretending to be a ghost ! 



The plan is quite successful. The Locust sees a 

 spectre before him, and gazes at it without moving. He 

 to whom leaping is so easy makes no attempt at escape. 

 He stays stupidly where he is, or even draws nearer with 

 a leisurely step. 



As soon as he is within reach of the Mantis she strikes 

 with her claws; her double saws close and clutch; the 

 poor wretch protests in vain; the cruel ogress begins her 

 meal. 



The pretty Crab Spider stabs her victim in the neck, 

 in order to poison it and make it helpless. In the same 

 way the Mantis attacks the Locust first at the back of the 



[43] 



