Preparation materials: pencil, drawing paper, watercolor pen.

The first step: smooth a pair of big eyes;

Step 2: See the bugs shining;

Step 3: reach out and catch the bug;

The fourth step: flat wings on the body;

The fifth step: fullness and sagging;

Step 6: Grow four small thin legs.

Introduction to mantis

Mantis, also known as Knife Mantis, belongs to Insecta and mantodea, and is an insect with unique charm. They are good at preying on other insects to maintain ecological balance and are known as "the patron saint of farmland". In China, there are many kinds of mantis, such as green mantis, palm mantis and grasshopper mantis.

Mantis vary in size, ranging from a few centimeters to dozens of centimeters. They usually have bright colors, such as green, brown and yellow, and some can imitate the colors of plants to protect themselves. Mantis has a triangular head, a pair of compound eyes and a pair of antennae, which have the functions of smell and touch. Their forelimbs are strong and curved, and there are a row of sharp-edged serrations on the inside, which can easily catch prey. The hind limbs are developed, suitable for jumping, and more flexible when hunting.

Mantis hunt in an interesting way. They usually lurk quietly in plants, waiting for their prey to pass by. When the prey enters the prey range, the mantis will quickly stretch out its forelimbs, grab the prey tightly and cut it into pieces with its serrated forelimbs. Feed the caught food into their mouths and swallow it. Mantis has become a cheetah in the insect world because of its quick and decisive predation.

Mantis is not only superb in predation skills, but also unique in reproduction. After mating, the female mantis will prey on the male mantis, which is the so-called "wife eating husband" phenomenon. This kind of behavior is known as "sexual predation" in biology, and its purpose is to obtain more nutrition and ensure the healthy growth of future generations. Studies have shown that the growth, development and survival rate of the offspring are improved after the female mantis preys on the male mantis.

Mantis also has a special position in China culture. The ancients believed that mantis had the magical ability to communicate with ghosts and gods. In many myths and legends and folk stories in our country, there are mantis figures.