There are over ten species of praying mantids in Arizona. A powerful predator, much loved by organic gardeners, this insect’s front legs have developed to act as hands, both in catching and holding its prey. Having no venom or anesthesia to administer, it eats its victims alive. So ferocious are these creatures that the male must be very adept when mating, for the female might think him a good dinner and start eating him head first.