Praying Mantis found on Barrhead plant pot

The Scottish SPCA have rehomed a praying mantis found clinging to a plant pot inside a Barrhead home.

Published 21st Sep 2016

The Scottish SPCA have rehomed a praying mantis found clinging to a plant pot inside a Barrhead home.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity were alerted when the exotic creature was noticed by a member of the public earlier this month.

However, they had no idea where the tiny insect, which was barely the size of a human pinky nail, had come from.

The praying mantis was taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre where a kind-hearted new owner was found.

Praying mantises are insects with a distinctly alien look about them.

Their other-worldly appearance is characterised by a triangular head, large compound eyes and prominent spikey front legs.

It is these folded fore-limbs that give rise to their common name, as they are held in a prayer-like position.

Animal Rescue Officer Amy Robb said, “A member of the public noticed the praying mantis on a plant pot. The insect was about the size of my pinky nail.

“I have never had to rescue one before so it was a very unusual job to attend. Some people like to keep them as pets and I was delighted to hear that it found a new home so quickly.”