Metru Mantis

"You could call these Rahi the 'enemy of our enemy.'"

- Rahaga Norik, Rahi Beasts

Metru Mantis are carnivorous insect-like Rahi.

History
The Metru Mantis species was created by the Makuta using Viruses and Liquid Protodermis to be one of the Rahi to inhabit the Matoran Universe.

A population of these creatures established themselves in Metru Nui. In the past, Onu-Matoran have often used Mantis to clear out insect life lurking in caves and mining sites.

Several Mantis migrated to the island of Mata Nui after the Great Cataclysm and integrated into its ecosystem, but later, when the Bohrok were awakened to cleanse the island, they returned to Metru Nui.

When the Visorak invaded Metru Nui, the remaining Mantis discovered they liked the taste of the spider-like hunters, prompting Sidorak to assign two Kahgarak with the task of hunting down and destroying every Metru Mantis in the city, which in turn prompted the Rahaga to take extra efforts to capture and hide them. Iruini and Bomonga once insisted on letting the Metru Mantis into the Colony Drone pit, but the idea was rejected by Gaaki and Norik due to likelihood that that the drones would be wiped out by the other Rahi.

After the return of the Matoran to Metru Nui, Metru Mantis were sighted more frequently in the city due to the large number of Rahi that had fled from Mata Nui.

Abilities & Traits
The Metru Mantis feeds primarily on Nui-Jaga and other insectoids, but have never been known to attack Matoran. They hunt using their bladed forelegs, huge mandibles, and incredibly quick reflexes; once they get a grip on their foe, they inject it with venom that acts as a sedative. Their normal height is about six to eight feet high. They are usually peaceful, but when provoked, become quite territorial. The Mantis is also nocturnal, preferring to hunt its prey at night.

Trivia

 * The Metru Mantis was an entry sent in to The LEGO Group as part of the LEGO Magazine Rahi-building Contest. It was created by Eric Richter and given a name and story role by Greg Farshtey in the book BIONICLE: Rahi Beasts.

Appearances

 * BIONICLE: Rahi Beasts


 * BIONICLE: Encyclopedia (Mentioned Only)


 * BIONICLE: Encyclopedia Updated (Mentioned Only)