i6 



ANIMAL BIOLOGY 



is allied to the walking-stick, but it is furnished with green 

 wings whose veins closely resemble those of a leaf. The 

 mantids have a long prothorax and strong fore legs 



PIG. 12. Walking- stick. 



fitted for seizing other insects on which they feed. 

 The fore legs are held in a devout attitude which 

 doubtless suggested the name " praying mantis" and 



gave 



FIG. 13. American mantis, Mantis Carolina. 



rise to the many superstitions associated with this insect. 

 The so-called attitude of prayer is really one of readiness 

 for quickly grabbing any insect within reach. 



