Metru Mantis

"You could call these Rahi the 'enemy of our enemy.'"
— Rahaga Norik, Rahi Beasts

Metru Mantis
Rahi
Powers	None
Conservation status	Common
Known locations	Metru Nui (formerly) Mata Nui (formerly) Spherus Magna
Pronunciation	MET-troo

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. Onu-Matoran often used Metru Mantis to clear out insect life lurking in caves and mining sites.

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 the task of hunting down and destroying every Metru Mantis in the city. This, in turn, prompted the Rahaga to take extra efforts to capture and hide the Metru Mantis, intending to unleash them against the Visorak if need be. Some of the more aggressive Rahaga had suggested the idea of using them against the Colony Drones that served as the Visorak food supply, but this plan was vetoed by Norik, who regarded the drones as innocents.

Several Mantis migrated to the island of Mata Nui after the Great Cataclysm and integrated into its ecosystem. When the Toa Nuva intentionally unleashed the Bohrok, the Metru Mantis migrated back to Metru Nui.

After the Mata Nui Robot was critically damaged in the Battle of Bara Magna, the surviving Metru Mantis left the Matoran Universe and immigrated to Spherus Magna.

Abilities and Traits

Metru Mantis feed 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 are also nocturnal, preferring to hunt their prey at night.

Trivia

• The Metru Mantis was an entry sent in to LEGO as part of the LEGO Magazine Rahi Building Challenge. It was created by Eric Richter and given a name and story role by Greg Farshtey in the book BIONICLE: Rahi Beasts.
• One of the Golden Constractions that appear in BIONICLE Heroes is modeled after the Metru Mantis.

Appearances

Books
Guides BIONICLE: Rahi Beasts (FA) BIONICLE: Encyclopedia BIONICLE: Encyclopedia Updated

External links

• Metru Mantis Brickshelf Gallery