About this time each year the crickets start chirping in our backyard. That’s my cue to begin my annual lookout for praying mantises. Sometimes they’re in the garden, sometimes around the deck, and, like the past couple years, I’ve spotted them in hanging out in the carport.

They’re cool looking bugs. Their delta-shaped heads, their huge eyes, and comb-like forearms that curve into a hook are other worldly. At least to me.

If you’re a cricket, and you see a mantis, chances are it’ll be the last thing you see.