Praying Mantis: Predators of the Insect World Praying Mantis is a formidable predator of the insect world. They are ambush hunters and sit motionless with their forelimbs held together in a posture that appears to make them look as if they are praying in human-fashion. However, when a creature comes in striking distance, the forelimbs are stretched at a lighting speed to catch the prey. The inside edge of the forelimbs is serrated making it impossible for the prey to escape while the alien-like