This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

A knight wants to marry a princess and she wants to marry him.  However, the king demands that the knight draw one of two slips of paper from a box.  The king says one will say “Death” and the other “Marriage.”  The princess whispers to her suitor that both slips say “Death.”  What could the knight do to wed the princess?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

One of the most curious of all insects is the praying mantis.  It’s distinctive shape and color may sometimes be difficult to find because these predatory creatures are experts at ambushing their prey.

Some characteristics about the praying mantis include:

• Body length of about 1-4 inches.
• Primary habitat in the foliage of meadows and fields.
• Diet includes live insects and spiders.

Many know that its name comes from its “prayer-like” stance.  Mantis means “prophet.”  Its name is mistakenly spelled as “preying” mantis because it fiercely preys upon other insects.  Yes, the mantis is a “good” bug to have around.

If one ever has a chance to watch this stealth predator at work, pay close attention.  Staying perfectly motionless and blending in with the green foliage, the praying mantis will suddenly strike and grab its victim.

Images courtesy of Pinterest.

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Before a crowd of witnesses, the knight could choose a paper, look at it, proclaim that it says “Marriage,” and promptly swallow it.  As proof, he would ask the king to reveal the remaining paper, which would say “Death.”  All would presume that the swallowed paper indeed must have said “Marriage”–thus beating the king at his own game.