News : Praying mantis makes way to Vinton

A praying mantis gained attention at the entrance of Ehlinger's Express Friday morning.

A praying mantis captured the attention of workers and customers at the Ehlinger's Express/McDonald's business on Friday morning. Many customers stopped to take photo of the insect.

Mantises do not reach their adult stage until late August or September, and are rarely seen other months of the year. The insects were introduced to the southeast U.S. in the 19th Century to help control other insects.

Click HERE for a link to an interview with Professor of Etymology Donald Lewis of Iowa State University about the rarity of mantises in Iowa.