Lova - a - Deus or Mantis

The insect you see on the photo is called Lova-a-Deus in Brazil. Translated into English that means: praying to God. Better known as a mantis. It is quite a large insect and can be as long as an index finger. The Lova-a-Deus is related to the order of the cockroaches rather then to the grasshoppers. It is a carnivor. When you move you finger in front of his eyes you can see his head turning. However, don't come to close. When you do that they take a defensive and aggresive position and they can bite. In our front garden we have some Malpighia shrubs where you can find them. They are very well hidden with their green color but when you water the plants they move and you can see them.