Meet Sister Agnes Greenie Monster Legs Beetle Eater

 So my mother likes to bring
weirdunique gifts when she comes to visit. This last one was a gift for my garden, but after a day and a half we decided we couldn't risk not ever seeing her again, so...

...after a bit of research (and a few bonus swagbucks!) we brought her in and introduced her to the family.

 We tried to catch Mr. Spider (another family friend) so the two could duke it out, but he had heard rumors of the prowess of the European Mantid and went into hiding.

 Apparently they will also eat small amphibians, but this toad did not seem to fit the bill, so he got a pass as well.

Crickets, caterpillars, and smaller spiders (all caught by the budding entomologist/second grader) seem to satisfy her quite well thus far, and we are thoroughly enamored.

 Here's hoping that giant abdomen is full of eggs and that Sister Agnes likes her new home enough to lay that ootheca somewhere where we can retrieve and refrigerate it for spring.

I foresee lots of mantid printables in our future.

Thanks Granny B =D