A familiar inhabitant of the garden, the praying mantis makes an ideal subject for this author-artist-naturalist. On these pages Miss Earle presents general information about the Chinese mantis, common in some sections of this country, and she also tells the story of one particular mantis whose life cycle she observed at first hand.

Among the interesting facts included is the derivation of this insect's name. Often the oddly shaped mantis carries its front legs before it in a position that suggests it is praying. Some people, however, call the insect a preying mantis, because it devours living victims. A voracious eater, it consumes many garden pests as well as useful bees and ladybirds.

With a scientist's eye for detail and a nature lover's affection for living creatures, Miss Earle describes the structure and habits of the mantis. In relating the experiences of the captured mantis in her own garden, she creates a miniature insect world, one that will fascinate young readers and lead them to explore a garden on their own.

From the dust jacket