http://www.youtube.com/user/backyardbugs This is a mantis. Two or more of these insects are called mantids. Cockroaches, and stick insects are considered close relatives of mantids. They all belong to the order Orthoptera. Adult mantids can reach 15 cm in length. Mantids are the only insects that are able to turn their triangular-shaped heads from side to side. They have an elongated prothorax onto which the front legs are attached. The mantids' forelegs have sharp spines on them. These rows of spines are used to grasp their prey. The forelegs of the mantis are folded and held together when the animal is at rest. This makes the insect look as if it is praying. This is why it is often called the praying mantis. Mantids have a sensitive compound eye on each side of their head that can detect movement up to 60 feet away and allows them to estimate distances accurately. Using an ear on the mesothorax, mantids may be able to hear ultrasound, enabling them to escape from bats. Bats use ul