Mantis

There are over 2,000 species of mantis worldwide. Because of their prayer-like stance, this insect is commonly known as the "praying mantis." Mantises have compound eyes and grasping forelegs. They primarily eat other insects, but have also been known to eat small fish, lizards and other reptiles. The female of the species bites off the head of the male during mating (at least when observed in captivity). Offspring go through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Organic gardeners use mantises as a non-toxic form of pest control.