"When they [the legs] are folded against the body, the insect is supposed to be in a prayerful attitude.  It all depends, however, on your idea of prayer.  I am reminded of quite the opposite attitude, particularly when the weird thing turns its head and looks at me over what isn't its shoulder"

- "Time Marches Back", by Mabel Gillespie, Nature Magazine December 1939

More mantis here, here and here.