Gongylus gongylodes - The wandering violin mantis is native to Southern India and Sri Lanka. It has extremely thin limbs and grows to about 10 centimeters in length; males being slightly smaller. The violin mantis is a social insect, living and breeding in large groups. The joints and abdomen resemble twigs and leaves to allow the mantis to blend in with the foliage as it waits in ambush for unsuspecting insects to pass close enough to be snatched up. The violin mantis rarely resorts to cannibalism.
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The East India Company was granted a charter by Elizabeth I in 1600, for the purpose of pursuing trade with the East Indies. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, resulted in a British victory over the Mughal Empire, Bengal forces, and the French. The victory allowed the East India Company to establish a trade monopoly over India. Through the use of private armies, the East India Company retained its hold over India until the British government took direct control of India by creating the British Raj in 1858.
