Words of Wisdom 

The Praying mantis is a carnivorous insect that takes up a deceptively humble posture when it is searching for food. At rest, the mantis' front forelegs are held together in a posture resembling prayer or deep thought. These front legs are equipped with rows of sharp spikes that the mantis uses to hold its prey.
The mantis waits motionless for an appropriately sized insect to come within range. The mantis patiently waits until the insect is close enough, then strikes with its forelegs, capturing the insect. However, sometime the mantis actually pursues the insect by creeping closer. It is surprising how slowly and fluidly the mantis can move. As the mantis approaches, it often sways back and forth, perhaps mimicing the foliage swaying in the breeze that it resembles.
Mantises are famous in many cultures. In some cultures, they are considered holy. The mantis is also famous for its almost human mating habits - when the male and female are done mating, the female eats the male.