ORTHOPTERA. 



135 



engaged in prayer, have given them such names as Prega 

 Diou, Prie Dieu, &c. These creatures are very voracious. 



FIG. 90. MANTIS. 



No sooner does an insect come near them, than like a cat 

 approaching a mouse, the mantis moves imperceptibly 

 along, and steals towards its victim, fearful of putting it 

 to flight. When sufficiently close, the fore leg is extended 

 to its full length, and the fly is seized and crushed by 

 the numerous spines with which its edges are armed. 



The Leaping Orthoptera (Saltatoria) are at once 

 recognisable by the great size and strength of their 

 hind legs, a structure whereby they are enabled to 

 perform prodigious leaps. Of their general form, we 

 have a familiar example in the house-cricket, every- 

 where to be met with. 



The House-cricket (Gryllus domesticus) frequents the 

 same situations, is active at the same season, feeds on the 



