Praying Mantis - I didn't know or I didn't realize

I have seen martial arts systems use the praying mantis as their symbol but gave it little thought till today. The fighting principles of the mantis tell is something of the why. The techniques and skills the mantis uses are extraordinary for the insect - the use of an acute ability to observe, quick adaptation, the use of camouflage, and then an ability to attack that is "swift" that results in the victim does not see it coming, it is virtually invisible to the victim.

Funny how things become something different with a simple open minded view of things - the importance of symbolism.