Photo Credit: Dave Moskowitz 

The praying mantis is one of our largest and most easily recognized insects and they are really cool. They can often be found at this time of the year in our yards, gardens and all kinds of meadows and fields with a little bit of searching among the plants. The common name comes from the way they hold their two front legs, in a manner that makes them look like they are praying. But if they are praying for anything it is for the next unlucky insect to get within striking distance and to become the next meal.