Associated Press
08-31-06
Mild winters lead to more praying mantis sightings
DES MOINES, Iowa Bug experts say Iowa's batch of mild winters has led to
more sightings of the praying mantis.
The eye-catching insects have been spotted in unusually large numbers this
year.
Praying mantids (the plural form) are named for their long front legs, which they
fold and clasp "prayer-like" in front of their small, triangular heads.
Donald Lewis of Iowa State University Extension says don't let the act fool
you -- the insects are killers and snatch crickets, flies, bees, butterflies -- even a
hummingbird has been reported -- and devour them alive.
Lewis says there's no reason people should fear the insects -- just keep your
fingers away from their front legs and out of their mouths.
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