The praying mantis is sometimes called the dragon because it is a fierce hunter.

There are about 1,700 varieties of praying mantis.

The two forward legs of the mantis have sharp spines like a jack knife.

The mantis uses its two front legs to attack it's prey.

The mantis females are among the biggest insects.

The latin name of the praying mantis is Tenodera Sinensis.

The female mantis lays up to 300 eggs.

Most mantis live in warm climates.

The mantis will attack butterflies, bees, beetles, frogs, spiders, mice, lizards, and small birds.

The female sometimes eats the male after mating.

The mantis has very good eyesight.

The female mantis can not fly due to all of the eggs in her abdomen.

Mantis nymphs march single file.

When nymphs hunt they eat leafhoppers, aphids, and very small flies.

The mantis sheds its skin twelve times before it is full grown.

The female mantis lays her eggs in the fall.

The mantis nymph is tiny like a mosquito.

The front legs of the nymph have claws for holding their prey.

Praying mantises bite the back of their victim's neck to paralyze it.

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The praying mantis lives in warm environments throughout the world. It gets its name from its front legs, which it holds upright in front of its body looking like a human at prayer. It is an ambush hunter and preys upon other insects. It usually rests quietly among the twigs and leaves of its home, moving slowly and blending in among the vegetation. When an unsuspecting insect comes too close, the mantis attacks with blazing speed, grasping the victim in its front legs. The stuggling prey is eaten while still alive as the mantis cuts it up with sharp and powerful manibles, or jaws.

Females lay masses of up to 300 eggs inside a frothy liquid which hardens to protect the eggs.

These are called egg cases. In the spring, the eggs hatch and hundreds of hungry mantis nymphs emerge. The mantis is considered a beneficial insect in many parts of the world because its voracious appetite controls unwanted insect pests. In some places, they are kept as pets and can be handled carefully. They can be picked up by letting them walk onto your hand where they will sit peacefully. But, don't try to pick one up by grasping it, because you will probably get pinched by its strong and spiny front legs.

 

 

 

The picture below is a closeup of our Christmas Cactus in bloom.. It was taken today November 1st

The blooms are always abundant and a welcome splash of color in our living room.

 

 

 

 

You gotta try these recipes for the holidays!!

 

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe!

 

This is an excellent treat for thanksgiving and Christmas!

 

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
3 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons Kentucky Bourbon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
PREPARATION:
In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, corn syrup, salt, bourbon, and vanilla. Mix on low speed of mixer until blended. Spread pecans and chocolate chips in bottom of the prepared pie shell.

Pour filling over nuts and chocolate chips. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until set

 

 

 

Royal MEXICAN WEDDING ( Christmas ) COOKIES

 

Buttery almonds and vanilla! Yum Yum!!

 

1 CUP REAL SALTED BUTTER
1/3 CUP OF WHITE SUGAR
TWO TEASPOONS OF DISTILLED WATER
TWO TEASPOONS OF REAL VANILLA EXTRACT
TWO CUPS OF SELF RISING FLOUR
ONE CUP OF MINCED ALMONDS
ABOUT ONE CUP OF POWDERED CONFECTIONERS SUGAR

Cream the butter and the sugar; add water and vanilla. Sift the flour and then blend together with the almonds and the butter mixture. Chill for three hours in the fridge, then shape into 3/8 inch silver dollar sized cookies. Bake the cookies on a non greased cookie sheet for about 20 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the cookies from the pan, cool and roll in the confectioner’s sugar.
This recipe makes about three dozen cookies