Ashleigh Kennedy Student's Topic Choice

Sacred Praying Mantises

The praying mantis, or praying mantid, is an insect named for the typical “prayer-like” stance. There are currently 2,000 species of praying mantis worldwide, and have been on the endangered species list since 1976. In New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania it is a felony to kill a praying mantis, and can be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $1000 fine!! The minimum punishment is a $100 fine and/or 60 days community service. It is unlikely to be sent to jail for killing a praying mantis, unless you are deliberately killing them. Less than 20 people have ever served jail time for killing a praying mantis. So clearly, the praying mantis is a very important and valued insect. A few other facts about the praying mantis is that it is the only insect predator fast enough to catch mosquitoes and flies, and eighty-five percent of the time the mantid captures its prey.
Furthermore, these unique creatures are also sacred to a few different cultures in the world. Mantis comes from an Ancient Greek word for prophet or seer. In France, it is believed that if you are lost the praying mantis points the way home—therefore, the mantis is a guider. In Arab countries, people believe that the mantis always prays facing Mecca, a sacred city of Islam. In Africa, when a praying mantis lands on a person it means good luck. Mantids are also believed to be able to bring the dead back to life. So the next time you see a mantis fold his arms to pray, you can remember how important this insect is to other cultures and perhaps the prayer-like stance is symbolic for these beliefs.