Close-up of the head and front legs of the praying mantis, Mantis religiosa. This large common mantis acquired its species name religiosa, & its common name inspraying mantisins from the posture it adopts when waiting to make a kill. As seen here, the prehensile forelegs are folded and held near the head; they can extend & retract rapidly in the act of catching prey. The prey is then held between tibia and femur, where rows of spines prevent its escape. The praying mantis hunts by sight and day- light relying on its two compound eyes. It has a voracious appetite for insects & in some countries it is bred for biological pest control.