General
Insects rarely are magi companions, mostly because of their size but also due to their short life spans. Emerald and onyx mantises, however, are quite different. Reaching up to three feet in height, these insects live longer lives, are more intelligent, and possess powers quite unlike regular mantises. Their exteriors are hard and difficult to pierce, and their coloration allows for easy camouflage. Females of the species are the more dominant of the two. Emerald mantises are perfectly suited for hiding in foliage, waiting for a meal to pass by. Light green with slightly different colored bellies, emerald mantises hunt during the day, unlike the onyx. They hunt for birds, snakes, lizards and mammals, catching and devouring prey of up to the size of a dog. Their large wings are capable of sustaining them in flight.
Egg
This wrinkled green egg is extremely tough under your hands, making you wonder what sort of hatchling could possibly break its way out.
Hatchling
A shaky, gangly hatchling has forced its way out of this shell. Already the size of your hand, this mantis youngling has sharp ridges along its fore claws and small wings tucked close to its body. Upon emerging from its egg, it promptly devoured a fish you offered and fell asleep. It clearly isn't one of the more affectionate companions. Upon waking, the mantis left the cave immediately and did not return until dark. The other hatchlings are a little unsure of this strange insect, and prefer to avoid it. The gryphons and cats in particular seem to want to attack it, but know better. Razor-edged claws slice through almost anything with ease, and the hatchling's green color makes it difficult to spot in the grass.
Adult
Upon reaching adulthood, the exterior of a mantis hatchling hardens almost completely. The insect also leaves the side of its magi to join the others of its kind, just outside Sylva forest. Unsociable even amongst themselves, intruders to their homes are not tolerated and meet quick ends. When a magi has need of their mantis companion, they summon the insect from far away. These mantises are known to be wonderful spies and assassins, often used by dark magi. An emerald mantis can all but disappear in any foliage, and any wayward traveler will swiftly meet their end at a mantis's claws. When outside of forests or grassy plains, however, emerald mantises can be easily spotted, making them useful companions only in specified areas.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Jul)
Breeding: Yes
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: July 1st 2010
Element: Neutral 
Breeds with the following:
Emerald Mantis + Emerald Mantis = Emerald Mantis (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Emerald Mantis + Onyx Mantis = Emerald Mantis (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Emerald Mantis + Onyx Mantis = Onyx Mantis (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
July 2010 3-shard Donation Pet
Sprite art: GlassWalker | Description: Damien