INSECTS.
so innocently folded upon the breast, are direful weapons held ready to strike as soon as some unsuspecting insect happens within their reach. Let a small grasshopper come near the posing saint: immediately a sly tilt of the head belies the suppliant manner, the crafty eyes leer upon the approaching insect, losing no detail of his movements. Then, suddenly, without warning, the praying mantis becomes a demon in action. With a nice calculation of distance, a swift movement, a snatch of the
Fig. 46. The praying mantis, Stagmomantis carolina, and remains of its last meal. (Length 2½ inches)
terrible clasps, the unlucky grasshopper is a doomed captive, as securely held as if a steel trap had closed upon his body. As the hapless creature kicks and wrestles, the jaws of the captor sink into the back of his head, evidently in search of the brain; and hardly do his weakening struggles cease before the victim is devoured. Legs, wings, and other fragments unsuitable to the taste of an epicure are thrown aside, when once more the mantis sinks into repose, piously folds his arms, and meekly awaits the
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