We found a praying mantis. What should we know about this insect?

Question

We didn't catch him.

Answer 1

They're nice and you can feed them crickets?

Answer 2

That it needs to pray a little harder once the dog finds it.

Answer 3

That it is a protected species, and that you can be fined if you deliberately hurt it!

Answer 4

they're rare! and i think they're endangered. just leave it alone.  

Answer 5

That its claw are sharp as a razor they eat bugs that eat your garden and they do not make good pets.

Answer 6

Generally, mantises are protected simply by virtue of concealment. When directly threatened, many mantis species stand tall and spread their forelegs, with their wings fanning out wide. The fanning of the wings evidently makes the mantis seem larger and more threatening, with some species having bright colors and patterns on their hind wings and inner surfaces of their front legs for this purpose. If harassment persists, a mantis may then strike with its forelegs and attempt to pinch or bite. As part of the threat display, some species also may produce a hissing sound by expelling air from the abdominal spiracles. When flying at night, at least some mantises are able to detect the echolocation sounds produced by bats, and when the frequency begins to increase rapidly, indicating an approaching bat, they will stop flying horizontally and begin a descending spiral toward the safety of the ground, often preceded by an aerial loop or spin.[3][4]

Mantises, like stick insects, show rocking behaviour in which the insect makes rhythmic, repetitive side-to-side movements. Functions proposed for this behaviour include the enhancement of crypsis by means of the resemblance to vegetation moving in the wind. However the repetitive swaying movements may be most important in allowing the insects to discriminate objects from the background by their relative movement, a visual mechanism typical of simpler animals. Rocking movements by these generally sedentary insects may replace flying or running as a source of relative motion of objects in the visual field. [5]

Answer 7

that it's better off if you let it go than trying to take care of it yourself.  

Answer 8

1.  They eat other insects.

2.  Don't try to pick it up with your bare hands, and don't get your fingers within striking range.

They're considered good things to have around because they eat all manner of pest insects, flies, moths.  The juveniles will stick to a particular location as long as it's providing them with ample food.  The adults grow wings and fly around -- kind of freaky to see such a large insect flying.

They're not endangered (I mean, heck, the one you found was probably hatched from an egg case purchased at your local garden supply store).

Answer 9

It's probably worth more than your any of your pets so don't touch it.