Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Search for an insect that looks similar to a branch. The average praying mantis measures three to four inches long. The most prominent features of a praying mantis are its bulging eyes and front legs. When a praying mantis hunts, it tucks the claws of its front legs under and looks as if it's praying.
Buy an insect field guide with color photographs. Various species of praying mantis exist in the world, so it's helpful to have a picture to identify this garden pest eater.
Watch the praying mantis sway back and forth on the branch. When disturbed, the praying mantis tries to blend in with its surroundings, usually a branch or stem of a plant. The mantis often sways with the wind to simulate a blowing leaf.
Look for plants that have many tiny flowers. These flowers attract tiny flies, bees and other insects that the praying mantis eats. Occasionally, the larger praying mantids eat other praying mantids and good-sized bugs. The large mantid species even eat small snakes and hummingbirds.
Observe the praying mantis with a hand lens or other magnifying glass. Get a closer look to find the folded front legs and bulging eyes.