A PRAYING mantis was found clinging to a plant pot inside a Barrhead home.

The homeowner who came across the insect had no idea where it had come from and immediately contacted the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

Animal Rescue officers arrived to collect the exotic creature, which was no larger than a human finger nail, on Saturday, September 10.

The praying mantis was taken to the SSPCA's Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow where it was handed over to a kind-hearted new owner.

Praying mantises, also known as mantodea, have a distinctly alien look about them which is characterised by a triangular head, large compound eyes and prominent spikey front legs.

It is these folded fore-limbs that give rise to their most common name as they are held in a prayer-like position.

Amy Robb, an Animal Rescue officer with the SSPCA, said: "A member of the public noticed the praying mantis on a plant pot.

"The insect was about the size of my pinky nail.

"I have never had to rescue one before so it was a very unusual job to attend.

"Some people like to keep them as pets and I was delighted to hear that it found a new home so quickly."