JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

September 2003  

UNUSUAL VISITOR TO THE JSPCA ANIMALS’ SHELTER

A Praying Mantis was brought to the Shelter after it had flown into a house through an open window.  This female Common Praying Mantis was probably an escaped pet and is being looked after by staff at the Shelter until a good home can be found.

Regardless of the reason or circumstances for no longer being able to keep a pet, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter will take in all companion animals, including exotic species, and find them suitable new homes.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

• Praying Mantids are carnivorous insects and will eat insects such as crickets as well as mealworms.  They are generally from tropical, subtropical and temperate climates, such as North Africa, Southern Europe and Indonesia.  There are a variety of different species of Praying Mantids, which vary in size, colour and shape.  Typically, the life span of a Praying Mantis is usually between three and nine months, although some species can live for over twelve months.  Most species of Mantis have wings.