Most commonly known as the Praying Mantis, order mantodea
             is a group of about 1800 carnivorous insects which prodominatley
             live in tropical regions of the earth. Though certain species
             can be found in locations with moderate climate. With an
             extremely striking appearence, mantids almost have human like
             qualities with the ability to hold an erect stance, and arms
             that face forward. A very efficient killer, mantids were
             created for hunting and killing prey.
             Order Mantodea is in the subclass Pterygota. As with all
             classifications there can be debates on where certain orders or
             species belong. Historically there has been some confusion on
             whether Mantodea deserves there own order. Some experts have
             placed Mantodea in the dictyoptera order along with cock roaches
             (Ramel 1996, Jaques 1981, Phoenix Zoo). Others say mantids
             belong in Orthoptera, which consists of grasshoppers. Experts
             say this is due to their large pro notum (Stokes 1983, Borror
             and White 1970). The emerging consensus around the position of
             Mantodea believes Mantodea constitute their own independent
             Mantids can be characterized by their triangular head, and
             filiform antennae. This head has the ability to turn 180
             degrees. With their prominate pair of compound eyes located on
             the sides of the head, the mantis can almost see 360 degree's
             around. However the sharpest vision is located in the compound
             eye's center, for the mantis to optimaly see objects it must
             turn its head so that the eye is facing the object. These eyes
             are extremely sensitive to light, changing from light green or
             tan in bright light, to dark brown in the dark.
             The prothorax of the mantis is another aid in giving them
             their distintive appearence. This prothorax has the ability to
             bend and twist which aids in the mantids ability to see close
             The two long "raptorial" front legs are adapted to seize
             and hold prey...