What a unique flower, with all its little bow ties making up the bloom. Your description of your photo for the day made me laugh.
The mantis in my latest photo is only about an inch long so just a youngster. I don't know if the rules about determining m/f work when they're that young? Haven't seen as many in the yard this year. Hope it's that I'm just missing them, not that there are fewer and fewer with the passing of time.
@lyndemc LOL! Thank you, Denise! It makes me happy that it made you laugh. =) Always the best medicine. I think you can still count the segments on the abdomen and determine the sex. Eight for males and six for females. Also, if it pretty much stays in the same place - it's likely a female. I like your mantis capture today much better than Fancy's shot! You've got much more detail!
Oh wow, I've never seen a flower like this one. so interesting.
Yes, when Shayelynne was still riding (unfortunately, she gave it up although she still boards her horse.
@milaniet This is my nursery bought golden lantana. A wild variety grows in Florida and it has multi-colored blossoms with pinks and yellows and lavenders all on one blossom.
The mantis in my latest photo is only about an inch long so just a youngster. I don't know if the rules about determining m/f work when they're that young? Haven't seen as many in the yard this year. Hope it's that I'm just missing them, not that there are fewer and fewer with the passing of time.
Yes, when Shayelynne was still riding (unfortunately, she gave it up although she still boards her horse.