A praying mantis has long, slender limbs and seemingly thoughtful movements. This insect is named after its prominent front legs, bent in a pose of prayer. Many legends associated with the praying mantis are in regards to these legs shifting into positions worthy of body language interpretation.
On a recent ecotour to Borneo, we spotted this praying mantis resting on the grounds of our rainforest lodge. Our guide Minchu explained that according to local legend, “if you ask a mantis how someone is sleeping, it will move to show you if they are having bad dreams or resting soundly.”
Elsewhere across the globe, some think a praying mantis will motion a lost child in the direction of home. Others believe that the insect ‘prays’ towards Mecca.
According to Kung Fu legend, in 1368 AD a Buddhist Wang Lang observed a praying mantis hunting a cicada. When Lang attempted to brush away the giant insect with a reed of stalk, the brave mantis attempted to defend himself by gripping the stalk. It is said that this interaction in a Monastery garden inspired principles within the Chinese Martial Arts practice.
This odd-looking bug is one excellent hunter. It can quickly snatch prey – like grasshoppers, moths, crickets and flies – with spike-lined legs, piercing quarry with small spikes. A female praying mantis will even eat her mate during or after mating.