I first saw this mantid yesterday. The cats were stalking something in the weeds. I couldn't tell what they had, so I backed away. You never know what might be lurking in the dense underbrush. :0)
When I saw it was a Chinese Mantid, I got a little stick and let it climb on, so I could put it up high away from the cats. I didn't know if it would make it.
I don't know how long I was taking pics, before I saw it today. It was in the middle of some vines. Only the top half was showing. It was hard to get pics, because of its location and the bright sunlight. This one is not as crisp as I would like for it to be. I'm posting it anyway, because I worked hard to get the pic. I had to fight the cats off it again today and I ended up in some wild rose thorns. LOL!
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my ladybug and butterfly pic!!! I really appreciate them!
I'm a little behind in my commenting. I'm going to try to catch up tonight. :0)
wow - there's so much to love about this Carolyn - not sure why you're a bit disappointed. It's wonderful. I think the clarity is great. Glad you kept the cats away.
@digitalrn Thank you! This was the first time I've seen one of these. It was big! It was probably four inches long. The strangest one I've seen was little and almost black. It was a Minor Ground Mantid. I've only seen the one. :0)
Wow!!! Love this. How do you know the precise names of all the wonderful creatures you photograph? Do you look them up or do you already know the names? EIther way I am impressed!
@deniseinindy Thank you!!! I have a book I use. It's a Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America. If I can't find them in my book, I use bugguide.net. :0)
Different than usual angle on this! Nice! They are hard to spot...I can be staring right at one and miss it for a while. I think our freeze killed our insects....I am serious! I see nothing! (Like that sergaent on Hogan's Heroes used to say..Schultz I think was his name)
