INSECTS. 117 
Mantis (Jantide).—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 oblong 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 
(Phasmide).—The walk- 
ing-sticks (Fig. 140) re- 
semble the AZantida, but 
the fore-legs are notadapt- 
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- Fic. 140.—Walking-stick (Phasma), a 
teen inches. wingless orthopterous insect. 
Walking-Leaves 
(Phyllium).—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, 
