The praying mantis, a carnivorous insect, is searching for love during fall. What to know

One of Michigan's best camouflaged insects, the praying mantis, may be more noticeable this time of year while they are out looking for mates.

From August to October, the two mantis species in Michigan : the Chinese and European mantis species breed and lay eggs, according to Michigan State University's Extension, so residents are more likely to see adults fly around, or clinging to plants and building walls as they make themselves known.

The insects have a reputation for their hunting skills — they are a predatory species — their lanky limbs and, of course, their (at times) deadly mating behavior.

According to The Michigan Nature Guy's Blog and MSU, a female mantis doesn't always eat its mate. They are cannibalistic, though a female will only eat the male she mates with if she need