The average life expectancy of a typical Praying Mantis — Mantis religiosa, if you prefer specificity — is four to six months. The insect will often die sooner, depending on its size, surroundings and good fortune. But a lucky one, scientists say, can often survive for a year.
And then there is the Rally Mantis, the spindly, green-legged creature which appeared in the Royals’ dugout on Saturday afternoon, found a home on the hat of outfielder Billy Burns and begat two victories before a day off on Monday. In the hours after a victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, an anonymous Royals player moved the Mantis to a safe zone inside the team’s clubhouse, hoping to capture its luck and charm for the rest of the home stand.