The praying mantis is a big green or brown insect that stands very still. It holds its front legs up together like it is praying, and that is how it got its name! A praying mantis can turn its head all the way around to look behind it. It is the only insect that can do this.
The praying mantis is a great hunter. It waits very quietly on a plant until another bug comes close. Then it grabs the bug super fast with its strong front legs! Praying mantises eat flies, crickets, and other insects. They help gardeners by eating pests.
