The praying mantis

Praying Mantises are scientifically known as close relatives to the cockroach. Their name is derived from the types of pose they adopt when guarding themselves, hunting or fighting.

Normally, a praying mantis is inconspicuous as it stays still for a long period, looking like one of the leaves amongst which it lives. When an insect comes near to its position, the mantis stalks it slowly, seizes it between the joints of the first legs which resembles the hand saw and rips it to pieces before eating it as the case may be. Their eggs are often found protected by a very tough case attached to bushes or walls.