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Bet you can guess what stick insects look
like. That’s right! Twigs and stems. Their
long, slender bodies and spindly legs
make them true masters of disguise.
During the day, stick insects stay
perfectly still. That way enemies can’t spot
them. At night, they creep along branches
and munch on leaves.
Have you ever seen a praying mantis?
It is the most common member of the
mantis family. Like a stick insect, a
praying mantis is long and thin. And
its bright green body blends in perfectly
with plants.
But don’t be fooled by this cute little
critter. Its
camouflage
does more than
help it hide. The mantis is a mighty hunter that lies in wait and
catches its prey by surprise. Besides insects, it eats lizards, fish,
frogs, birds, and small snakes.
Stick Insects
and Mantids
stick insect