Carol DM
Always fascinating to see these Praying Mantis in my garden. They blend very well. Sometimes so well I mistake them for foliage. A survival instinct I am sure. Sharing this photo from my deck garden with today’s Saturday Critters challenge.
The word mantis comes from the Greek mantikos, for soothsayer or prophet. Indeed, these insects do seem spiritual, especially when their forelegs are clasped together as if they’re in prayer.
I have learned a lot about these incredible insects over the years. I will share some of the facts for those interested. I may do a quiz on these insects later.
Photo ©CarolDM2019
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Question of
Most Praying Mantis live in the tropics, correct?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Mantis Can Turn Their Heads a Full 180 Degrees, wow, right?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Female Mantis Sometimes Eat Their Mates, yikes, agree?
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Yes
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No
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I read the female praying mantis are cannibals. They eat their male’s head during mating. Scientists believe it’s in order to lay more eggs. That’s a strange way to…
I wonder if advocates are needed for the male praying mantis.
These are the wonders of nature.
As a kid I was always fascinated with these creatures. I was more mystified by their praying demeanor. Moreover I thoroughly enjoyed the Kung Fu mantis techniques in the Chinese movies.
Thanks for the post. I became a little sentimental reading this.
Love the picture! There was a story in the DC area news about a Christmas tree in Virginia. (I know, why would he be writing about a Christmas tree in Virginia?)
After Christmas (4 days or so) the woman came home from work. Her entire house was filled with Praying Mantis. The tree had an egg sack in the braches that wasn’t seen. They moved all the mantis (trying not to kill them) to the insect area of the DC zoo.
Thanks! It was by accident that I saw him. Very well hidden. That is what the do. I don’t seem them often but when I do I try to get a photo. I cannot imagine having one inside. Oh my goodness.
i have to be honest. I laughed when I first saw the poor person house. Then I felt horrible for her. Then the group of folks that love insects came and cleaned up her house for free.
Some nature creatures have a strong survival instinct and adapt to the environment that you could not notice them. This one has done it very well.
Yes I believe that. I see it every day and can understand as there are always predators around.
Perfectly captured.
I know nothing about these amazing creatures. I do have them visiting our garden occasionally.
Thanks, it was not planned, he just happened to be on my plant. Very cool to see.
Awesome photo. I have seen them before.
Thank you, I never know what I will see in the garden.
Great shot. I do not know if I’ve seen this insect. I learned something new
Thanks, he was hiding pretty good, I almost missed him.
I used to see them all the time growing up but see them less today for some strange reason.
Very nice. These guys aren’t easy to find.
Thanks, I almost missed this one. They blend well.
I didn’t know these facts of mantis. Thanks for sharing them with us, as I have learned something interesting today.
You are welcome. There is more, I may do a quiz on another day.
Thank you so much for very interesting facts about Praying Mantis + very cool photo!!! Know too little about them & your post is very curious!!!
You are so welcome and thank you for visiting. I have always thought they look very prehistoric.
Great picture, dear Carol
Thank you my friend, it was cool to see him!
WOW!
I hear the female chomp down the male while they mate … oops
Yes, that was my #3 question. It seems to be true!
Nature is so amazing to learn about. The good and not so good.
I am really scared of this mantis
They are more scared of you my friend.
Have oyu seen one up close before?
Great picture. I haven’t seen a praying mantis in decades. They used to be more prolific when I was a child.
Thanks, they are such cool little critters.
Now that you say that I don’t seem they often either.