Hierodula patellifera

Hierodula patellifera

The broad axe mantis is an insect belonging to the mantis family. Also known as the wide bellied mantis, commonly referred to as the broad bellied mantis. Three yellow spots on the twin blades and a pair of white spots on the wings. The wide axe mantis feeds on meat and is aggressive, even engaging in cannibalism among its own kind. Some people call it the "sickle killer". Some people also say they are beneficial insects because their food is often agricultural and forestry pests. Female praying mantises often bite off the neck of male praying mantises during mating, and then eat the entire male praying mantis as a supplement for pregnancy.