Graying Mantis

Magazine Overview

Title: Graying Mantis
Issue: Volume 7, Issue 5
Date: May 1999
Publisher: The REALL News
Author: Martin S. Kottmeyer

This article delves into the emergence and proliferation of the 'praying mantis' alien type within ufology, particularly noting its rise in the 1990s. Martin S. Kottmeyer critically examines the phenomenon, questioning its origins and the credibility of the accounts.

The "Praying Mantis" Alien Phenomenon

The article begins by referencing Joe Lewels' question about Jehovah being a praying mantis being, linking it to the Mandaean belief in a dark creator. Kottmeyer finds the idea of a prophet as a 'big space bug' surreal, especially when delivered by a contactee named Rebecca Grant, who was told by her mantis alien contact, 'MU', about impending ecological disaster.

Kottmeyer expresses skepticism about the biological impossibility of man-sized praying mantises and questions the human capacity to empathize with an insect known for cannibalism. He humorously ponders the theological implications of a praying mantis God.

Historical Context and Emergence

Moving to a more serious analysis, Kottmeyer notes that the praying mantis alien is a relatively new addition to ufology. Catalogues from the 1960s and 1970s by researchers like the Lorenzens, Bowen, Vallee, and Bloecher, as well as Bullard's study of abduction cases up to 1985, contain no mentions of such beings. Kottmeyer suggests that some pre-1990s 'grasshopper-headed' aliens may have been reclassified as mantis aliens.

The author points to 1990 as a potential turning point for 'mantis-mania'. He cites several cases from around this period:

• Linda Porter's account (1988): Reported to Richard Haines and detailed by Linda Howe, with a drawing resembling a monster from 'Poltergeist'.
• Jeanne Robinson (1990): Reported telepathic communications with a 'Praying Mantis type' alien, described as ancient and the 'Great Mother' of many species.
• David Huggins: Claims of an encounter from his childhood, though the documentation of when he first reported it is unclear, raising suspicions of it being a backdated anachronism.
• Cindy Tindle (August 6, 1990): A hypnosis session transcript describes an abduction by a bug-like alien.

These cases, occurring in close proximity, suggest potential mutual influence.

Mantis Beings in Fiction and Culture

The praying mantis alien became a recurring theme in UFO abduction mythology following 1990:

• Whitley Strieber's 'Majestic' (1992): Features a giant mantis.
• Karla Turner's 'Into the Fringe' (1992): Describes a mantis alien and associated nightmares.
• Houston mass abduction (February 1992): A 3-foot-tall praying mantis was reportedly seen.
• Richard Boylan's subjects (1994): Accounts of encounters with mantis beings.
• Kim Carlson's artwork (1995): Depictions of mantis aliens.
• UFO Magazine (July/August 1997): A headline warned of 'Mantis Creatures Join Alien Troops'.

Kottmeyer also notes less direct cultural influences, such as the surrealist movement's fascination with the praying mantis, citing artists like Andre Masson and M.C. Escher. He also mentions depictions in pop culture, including bubblegum cards, comics, and movies like 'The Deadly Mantis'.

John Lear and the 'Horrible Truth'

A significant piece of the puzzle, according to Kottmeyer, is John Lear's statement from December 29, 1987, announcing the 'horrible truth' about an alien encounter. Lear claimed that General James H. Doolittle inspected a crashed saucer in Spitzbergen, Norway, in 1952, and found 'ugly little creatures, shaped like praying mantises' who were billions of years more advanced. Lear alleged that several individuals involved committed suicide, including Defense Secretary James V. Forrestal, and that President Truman covered it up. Kottmeyer dismisses Lear's claims as bald assertion with no evidence, calling the Spitzbergen crash story a fraud.

Kottmeyer suggests that Lear's assertion of a billion-year ancestry for these beings may have contributed to Rebecca Grant's perception of MU as a god and lent authority to her ecological concerns.

Whitley Strieber's Influence

Kottmeyer also highlights Whitley Strieber's role, noting his March 14, 1986, regression that brought up the image of a 'big bug', which he initially identified as a praying mantis. Although Strieber expressed disbelief and noted inconsistencies, his account in 'Communion' (1987) likely inspired Lear's revelation and set a precedent for other abductees to incorporate mantis-like beings into their narratives.

Conclusion and Cultural Origins

Kottmeyer concludes that the genealogy of the mantis alien points strongly to the effects of cultural factors, suggesting that space insects and big bugs are a modern Western creation. He posits that this phenomenon should make atheists of everyone, ending with the ironic plea, 'Let us prey.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article critically examines the phenomenon of praying mantis aliens within ufology, questioning the historical basis and psychological underpinnings of these claims. Kottmeyer adopts a skeptical yet analytical stance, exploring potential cultural influences from art, literature, and popular media. The recurring themes include the surreal nature of alien encounters, the intersection of ufology with religion and mythology, and the role of cultural narratives in shaping perceptions of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, challenging the unverified assertions within the UFO community and highlighting the constructed nature of some alien typologies.