You’re invited to come and see the answer to this riddle at Thompson’s General Store on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 1:00 pm. We will be hosting a special guest appearance of numerous sizes, colors and ages of these fun and interesting pets and garden partners! Bring the kids and see some of natures’ wonders!
Now here’s the answer to our riddle. It’s a Praying Mantis. Because its front legs are bent and often held near each other, the alien looking insect appears to be praying and that’s how it got its name. There are around 2,000 different species of insects that are grouped in the mantis genus from all over the world. But mostly the insects ranging in size from 2 inches to 6 inches prefer a warm climate. About 20 different species live in the United States and some can be found in your backyard eating other insects. Now, let’s talk about those 5 eyes. On either side of a mantis’ triangle shaped head you’ll find a large compound eye which allows the mantis to see 180 degrees. Because the compound eye limits its depth perception, the mantis also has three tiny regular eyes between the two large eyes. Amazingly, the mantis can see up to 50 feet, watching for unsuspecting moths, crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies, flies, lizards, frogs, small snakes and birds to capture and eat. Praying mantises have been found to be very beneficial to gardeners and farmers because they consume many unwanted insect pests in the garden or in crops.
Praying Mantis come in a variety of greens, browns and cream colors that allow it to blend into the plants and flowers where it lives. They often look like a fallen leaf on the ground or like a twig growing in a tree.
Did you know that many people enjoy keeping these fun bugs as pets? They can live up to one year.
Remember to come by Thompson’s General Store on Saturday, April 27 between noon and 1:00 pm to see a variety of Praying Mantis. Thompson’s is located at 10010 N. Garnett Road in Owasso. Please call (918) 272-6443 if you have any questions.
