Congratulations! You have found the Praying Mantis Trio mural at Millikin Woods Park! Read the following text and write down some facts on your form.

Praying mantises are the only insects in the world that can turn their head around to face backward! Their vision has evolved to be attracted to motion, which helps when they are hunting their bug prey. Their unique front legs, called raptorial claws, are adapted for grasping and holding prey with sharp spines to help them grip. Some species of praying mantis can change colors to blend in with their surroundings.

The black walnut tree can grow up to 150 feet tall and its nuts are a common food source for wildlife like squirrels, mice, and birds. They can also be tapped like sugar maple trees to produce a sweet sap that can be turned into a syrup or sugar. The husks that are around the walnuts have been used to make dark brown dyes used to dye fabrics and yarn.

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Mural Artists: Jenn Acus-Smith, Nicole Trimble and Libby Anneken