Praying/ Preying Mantis

Chinese Mantid found in my garden 

a beneficial insect with a frighting appearance

prays then preys

Praying Mantis
as though in an
attitude of prayer

Praying Mantis or Preying Mantis

Praying mantis egg cases are purchased by farmers and gardeners to hatch an army of ferocious predators  to control insects such as mites, gnats, flies, white flies, and aphids.

"preying mantis"

they are 

"carnivorous" 

eating other insects

One generation develops each season. In the autumn, females lay eggs in a large cluster, in a frothy substance glued to tree twigs, plant stems and other objects. Overwintering occurs in the egg stage in this case. The nymphs emerge from the egg case in the spring or early summer. 

Surprise on the Morning Glory

Females regularly lay hundreds of eggs in a small case, and When nymphs hatch they are tiny versions of their parents. Leave any praying mantis egg cases hanging out on branches. There are 40-100 baby praying mantis in them.

 

their spiny-like forelegs can 

be readily felt as a "sharp pinch"

but they are harmless to people