Why do praying mantises hold their front legs in a praying pose?

Praying mantises hold their raptorial forelegs bent and tucked close to the body, which gives the appearance of prayer. Those legs are armed with spines that can clamp down on insects and other small prey with remarkable speed. The posture is a waiting strategy: mantises often sit motionless and ambush animals that come too close. This shape also helps them blend into vegetation and reduces their silhouette to both prey and predators. Despite their calm look, mantises are active predators with excellent strike timing.