Featured Photo

The Praying Mantis

This is an interesting creature. They pose very still with their forelegs folded in front of them as if they were praying, hence the name. Actually, they are pr e ying, and are excellent hunters. Their forelegs have sharp barbs to capture and hold their meal. Check out the RECENT SHOOT to see photos of this mantis devouring a grasshopper.

I like this photo because the mantis turned and looked directly at me with his large compound eyes. I just wonder what he was thinking! Mantids are capable of turning their heads a full 180 degrees. Camouflage is their main defense against those just above them on the food chain like birds and bats.

It is true that the female will often eat the male after mating!

Nikon D1X, 300mm AFS, PK-11A and PK-12, SB-80x flash, ground pod.