Our friend The Praying Mantis

This little guy (or maybe it's a lady) was found in one of the upstairs window sills.  I found him while cleaning and could hardly believe my eyes!  I instantly named him/her Herman and offerred it a cup of coffee.  To which he politely refused; apparently praying manti prefer espresso.                                                      

Actually, praying manties are carnivorous.  They survive by feasting on other insects smaller than themselves.  Some of the larger varieties have been known to take out small scorprians.  It's all relative to size.  Is this saying applicable to other things in the world?  Its all relative.  Think about it. 

As these critters are predators, they're helpful in the way of eating undesirable insects.  Avid gardeners will write personal invitations to all the praying mantises they know in an effort to create a large gathering.  Actually, garden supply stores will sell these bugs as means to getting rid of the bad guys. Who knew?