INSECTS. 



177 



large bodies, the front parts of which are greatly elongated, while the 

 terminal joints of the fore feet close on the preceding 

 joint in such a way as to form a pincer, very like that 

 of the mantis-shrimp. They receive the common name 

 from the fact that they often assume an attitude as if 

 deeply engaged in prayer. In their case, however, ap- 

 pearances are deceptive ; they are on the lookout for 

 game ; for they prey upon other forms. They are most 

 insatiate monsters, and will eat their own kind as read- 

 ily as they will any other insects ; and they are contin- 

 ually quarrelling among themselves. These qualities 

 render them of great value to the farmer, and in the 

 regions where they occur they will destroy more inju- 

 rious insects than all the state entomologists and en- 

 tomological commissioners ever appointed. Praying- 

 mantes or rear-horses are common in our southern 

 states, as well as in other warmer parts of the world. 



Closely allied to the rear-horses are a number of fig. i60.— walking-stick 



i i i n , i ii .i insect (Diapheromera 



species remarkable tor their resemblance to the vegeta- femorato). 





Fig. 161. — Walking leaf-insect (Phylliuin sicci/olum). 



tion on which they live. Some simulate the dead branches, while others 

 represent in the most remarkable way even the leaves of the plants. With 



