Praying Mantis

(or European Mantis) – Mantis religiosa (L) 

This is a very common species in Europe, and can be found in all the Mediterranean countries. It is also easy to identify, having a distinctive black and white eye shaped mark on the inside of the front legs.

Like many mantids, this species will eat prey items as large as or even larger than themselves. This specimen is eating a Wall lizard and was photographed in France in 2006.

Some people refer to these insects as Preying mantises, because they prey on other insects, but the name refers to the position they hold the front legs in; as if they are praying.