A Mantis From Today!

This little guy literary dropped out of a tree onto my head, and then decided to pose, hope you like.

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He liked my lens as well.

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Cool shot Rick, it is neat how the mantis either doesn't regard you and a danger or it is complety unaware of its surroundings. That second shot is very special.

Thanks Dennis, I think this guy didnt see me as a threat, but if you look closely at the second picture, his eyes are riveted on the flash thats above him. He was watching my every move carefully. Thanks again for the very kind words.

Great capture BE- assume it's a "tree mantis"- Looks a bit like a very dangerous stick insect
Brian V.

LordV wrote:
Great capture BE- assume it's a "tree mantis"- Looks a bit like a very dangerous stick insect
Brian V.

Thanks Brian, you do have to be careful around here, we have that Southern walking stick that spits acid around these parts.

Great shots! Can't wait to try my hand at some macro work. Mantis as such cool little critters. Curious little buggers too; they'll cock their head like a puppy dog when you stare them down. The variety we often see here in Southern California are usually very plump and bright green. They certainly go to town on the aphids. The poor lads get their heads bitten off during sex as well. Thems the breaks I guess. One good shag and it's all over.

Very nice! Wish we had something like that here at the moment - insects are hard to find!

Denis

Thanks Very much for the kind words, I love taking pics of these guys.

Thanks Denis, I can believe it. its getting kinda cold there isnt it?

Nice mantis. My wife saw one and asked if they bit you. I said that I never knew one to bite so she picked it up. It promptly reached down and bit her on her thumb and she screamed and threw it! Well, now I know they can bite!!! Really didn't hurt her though, just scared her.

GREAT shots B.E., but dont let that sucker get too close to your eye.
JohnnyG, LOL on the story. I can relate to that. I picked up a Grass Hopper one day in the interest of getting a better shot of it, (It kept hiding behind a leaf) and that little Guy just leaned over and chomped on my finger.
It promptley jumped back into the bushes right after its digit snack.
-Bruce

Did you get the action shot though, you know, the Mantis flying through the air with the greatest of ease. . Thanks for the very kind words on this one.

Ballen Photo wrote:
GREAT shots B.E., but dont let that sucker get too close to your eye.
JohnnyG, LOL on the story. I can relate to that. I picked up a Grass Hopper one day in the interest of getting a better shot of it, (It kept hiding behind a leaf) and that little Guy just leaned over and chomped on my finger.
It promptley jumped back into the bushes right after its digit snack.
-Bruce

Thanks Bruce, I remember when you got bit, didnt they have to airlift you to the nearest insect bite hospital?

Nice shots BE - looks like he's in his last moult before he gets wings.

Johnny & Bruce: I remember my little sister playing with a praying mantis, and the thing flew up and zapped her on the earlobe - there was some screaming! She's still petrified of them today and doesn't know why!