Mantids: And Their Relatives

Children's Literature

Mantids are frequently called praying mantises because of their stance while they are hunting. Their strong upper legs are folded close to their head as they wait to attack their victims. Mantids are green, yellowish or brown to help them stay camouflaged while they hide from their prey. Like all insects they have an exoskeleton with a head, thorax and abdomen. Mantids are also infamous for their mating behavior. Frequently the female eats the male as they mate. If necessary, a male can finish mating even without its head. The female lays eggs in a case of frothy liquid that hardens to protect the eggs. Humans have long been fascinated by mantids and many consider them good luck. A not so popular relative of the mantid is the cockroach. Many cockroaches do not invade human homes, but the few who do are most unwelcome. Cockroaches are masters at surviving. They will eat anything and they are very fast. Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years, even before the dinosaurs. This book, which is a part of the "Nature Close-up" series, includes information about collecting and caring for mantids and projects as well as experiments to learn more about them. 2005, Blackbirch/Thomson Gale, Ages 6 to 10.
—Kristin Harris

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-These titles give readers close-up views of the featured animals and overviews of their life cycles and feeding habits. The investigations suggested in each book could be used as science-fair projects. All three volumes combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest text to captivate and delight students. There may not be a huge demand for materials on these creatures, but the presentations are attractive and well organized.-Jean Lowery, Bishop Woods Elementary School, New Haven, CT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.