Praying Mantis
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The praying mantis may be, hands down, the most unusual bug on the planet. Actually, they almost look extra-terrestrial.
There are over 2,000 species of mantis with 20 species being native to the US. If you happen to spot one of these carnivorous insects and it turns it head around 180 degree’s to take a closer look at you, don’t call the priest. You have not found a demonic creature living in your tomatoes. This is perfectly normal, with some species being able to turn their heads almost 360 degrees.
While it is highly unlikely that you encounter such a species, there are actually members of the mantis family that eat rodents, frogs, lizards and even birds.
You can purchase praying mantis at your local nursery or online. You can even purchase eggs online and hatch them in your yard. If you do decide to enlist the help of praying mantis keep in mind that they not only eat the pests in your garden but also the beneficial insects, so they may not be the best choice for every garden. You can attract praying mantis to your garden with cosmos and raspberries.
Praying Mantis are perfect for controlling aphids, black fly larvae, caterpillars, fruit flies, leafhoppers, mosquitoes, moths, and scale insects. Pretty much, it will eat anything it can which makes it both friend and foe to the organic garden.
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I think they are very cool. I usually see a few in my yard every year. Last week I say what might have been a baby one – it seemed a bit like a praying mantis though I am not sure.
On occasion I will see a mantis in my yard. But since they blend in so well with the vegetation, I wonder how many times I really have seen them and not even been aware of it? Fascinating creatures.
Getting a little disappointed that the harvest season is coming to an end in my garden (Chicago).
To Your Health!
James Reno (editor Raw-Food-Repair.com)
http://www.raw-food-repair.com/raw-food-garden.html