| DESCRIPTION |
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Identification:
These insects may are favorites of collectors and pet owners. Closely
related to cockroaches (Order:
Blattodea)
they may be distinguished by elongate form, and raptorial forelegs. The
prothorax, covered by the pronotum contributes to the mantid's elongate
appearance. In the
Blattodea
the pronotum is expanded and covers the head. Mantid coxae are very long,
and the front femora and tibiae are armed with strong spines. The head is
highly movable; mantids are the only insects that can "look over their
shoulders." The forewings are leathery and cover a pair of fan-like hind
wings.