The film's concept is thought to be based on a 1932 story called Green Thoughts, by John Collier, about a man-eating plant. However, Dennis McDougal in Jack Nicholson 's biography suggests that Charles B. Griffith may have been influenced by Arthur C. Clarke 's sci-fi short story,  The Reluctant Orchid.The film stars Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles and Dick Miller, all of whom had worked for Corman on previous films.owever, Dennis McDougal in Jack Nicholson 's biography suggests that Charles B. Griffith may have been influenced by Arthur C. Clarke 's sci-fi short story,  The Reluctant Orchid. The film stars Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles and Dick Miller, all of whom had worked for Corman on previous films.
The European or Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) The European praying mantis (family: Mantidae, order: Orthoptera) officially became the State Insect on October 1, 1977.
What. A praying mantis, or praying mantid, is the common name for an insect of the order Mantodea. They are named after the distinctive way they hold their front legs up and together, as if in prayer. The word mantis derives from the Greek word 'mantis' for prophet or fortune teller.Praying mantis can be found in all parts of the world with mild winters and sufficient vegetation. About. Like all insects, a praying mantis has a 3 segmented body, with a head, thorax and abdomen.The abdomen is elongated and covered by the wings in adults.he word mantis derives from the Greek word 'mantis' for prophet or fortune teller. Praying mantis can be found in all parts of the world with mild winters and sufficient vegetation. About. Like all insects, a praying mantis has a 3 segmented body, with a head, thorax and abdomen.