09/03/2026
Gardens are homes to one of the most fascinating types of insects: the Praying Mantis.
The praying mantis is often seen as a friend to gardeners as they can feed on other insects that can be pests like flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mosquitos and moths. However they are opportunistic hunters and will also feed on beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and ladybugs. They are carnivores and do have a voracious appetite and can even feast on prey that is three times their size, including frogs, lizards and even hummingbirds. They will even eat each other: a female will sometimes eat a male just after or even during mating. 😳
There are a few different species of praying mantis but most range in size from 2-4 inches and usually green or brown in color.
These insects are masters of disguise and are not easily seen as they take on the color of the habitat.
Many of these insects have the ability to fly but some females are not able to.
The praying mantis has a triangular head and long flexible necks that allow them to turn their heads 180° from side to side giving them a 300° field of vision. Some can spot the slightest movement up to 60 feet away!
They have 2 large compound eyes with 3 simple eyes located between them. They can calculate their prey rapidly and in 3 dimensions.
Their powerful forelegs are armed with rows of overlapping spikes which they use to snare their prey while they devour with their strong and sharp mandibles.
While some live up to a year, most live on average about 6 months. They are also hunted by bats, birds, lizards, snakes, and spiders.
Here are a few pictures captured by our gardeners at the Verona NJ Community Garden .
Getting closer to other species is just one of the great benefits of gardening!
Have you found these interesting insects in your home or community garden?
