INSECTS. 



Mantis (Afantute). These insects (Fig. 139) have 

 elongated bodies, with the fore-legs toothed and adapted 

 for grasping their prey, and are remarkable for their 

 curious postures, that, with their coloring, is protective. 

 They are voracious, attacking their fellows and other in- 

 sects. Mantis argentina, from South America, according to 

 Burmeister, catches small birds. The eggs are deposited 

 in obJong clusters on fences, assuming the general color 

 of the surroundings. 



NOTE. From the supplicating position of the fore-legs (Fig. 139), 

 they are called the praying mantis, and in Africa certain natives vene- 

 rate them. A pink mantis in Java mimics an orchid, and captures the 

 insects that alight on it by mistake. Another, in the Philippine Isl- 

 ands, resembles a dried leaf. 



Walking-Sticks 



(Phasmida>) r T\& walk- 

 ing-sticks (Fig. 140) re- 

 semble -the Mantidce, but 

 the fore-legs are not adapt- 

 ed for grasping. They 

 are wonderful mimics, 

 their bodies resembling 

 old and new twigs. One 

 even mimics a moss- 

 grown stick, its legs and 

 body being covered with 

 curious irregular growths. 

 In the Malay Archipelago 

 and South America they 

 attain a length of four- 

 teen inches. 



Walking-Leaves 



(PJyUium). The wing-covers, in these insects (Fig. 141), 

 so imitate leaves that they are readily taken for them. 

 Even the veins and midrib of the leaf are often perfect, 



FlG. 140. Walking-stick (Phasmd) 

 wingless orthopterous insect. 



