Robert Grube, age 7, of Blossvale, New York, for his question:

 How did the praying mantis ~get its name?

Most insects look like fairy creatures from another planet. But the praying mantis looks somewhat like a human lady saying her prayers. She is a long insect with skinny legs and large leafy wings. Her body and wings match the twigs and leafy greenery, where she quietly waits. Her long front legs are bent to look like arms and hands, neatly folded under her chin. Her wings are folded down over her body to look like a stiff silken skirt. Yes, she looks like a lady, quietly kneeling to pray. This is why she is called the praying mantis. The people of Asia chose the mantis part of her name. In their language it means the prophet or holy person.

Of course this beautiful insect is not really saying her prayers. She stays so still that chances are you do not notice her. But she has another reason for this. She waits there, pretending to be part of greenery so that other insects will not notice her. When an unsuspecting bug walks by, she grabs him for dinner. Many gardeners treasure the praying mantis because she devours the pesky bugs that feed on their plants and favorite flowers