This giant Praying Mantis startled the heck out of me, when I first saw it! I've never seen anything like it. I've only seen the little green ones. I had no idea there were some that could grow to four inches long! It had wings too!
After my initial shock, I took pics. I even got brave enough, after awhile, to poke it with a blade of grass to move it into better light. I think it finally got tired of me and went to the top of the plant. It turned its head to watch me. That was creepy! I would never have gotten near it, before the 365. :0)
I'm posting early. We have a birthday party to go to. I'll try to catch up with everyone's pics later tonight. :0)
Thank you for the nice responses for yesterday's caterpillar!!! :0)
That is a beautiful portrait! I remember the first time I saw a praying mantis looking at me and following me with his eyes and head..sooooooooooooo creepy! Awesome too though. He has very pretty eyes
Just love that face. Yes, they grow that big here, too. And they can give a nasty bite if you get too friendly with them but they don't usually attack unless extremely provoked. Great portrait of this one and congratulations on being so brave.
Finally getting a chance to catch up on my commenting now that the site seems to have sped up a bit! And this is just a fabulous capture! Congrats on pp:)
Every time I look at these creatures, I'm always reminded of 'Buffy' because of the show when the teacher was a Praying Mantis.
By the way, congrats on two shots on the PP!