Praying Mantis Predator and Prey is a photograph by Leslie Crotty which was uploaded on October 23rd, 2012.
Praying Mantis Predator and Prey
The Praying Mantis tenodera aridifolia sinensis, also known as the Chinese Mantis, Predator of other insects, is considered to be beneficial to any... more
Title
Praying Mantis Predator and Prey
Artist
Leslie Crotty
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Praying Mantis tenodera aridifolia sinensis, also known as the Chinese Mantis, Predator of other insects, is considered to be beneficial to any garden! It is one of the larger species in the mantis family reaching up to six inches in length. Good for the eco system in that it preys on any insects that may be harmful to your garden and when hungry will eat anything that comes within its grasps at lightning speed, usually starting with it's head, eating it alive! If you ever wanted to catch one of these little guys the best way to do this would be to extend your hand palm down and let him walk on the top it. This way the mantis would not feel threatened. However If you tried picking him up, grabbing his body there's a possibility you might get stung with his sharp needle like claws, not such a good idea! They also can be kept as pets and are fun to hold in your hands! In it's natural environment it can survive about six to seven months, from May to possibly November. The female will lay an egg casing which hardens, giving it protection throughout the winter from the colder climate and other Predators. Then around early May the life cycle starts all over when the baby hatchlings come out of their protected egg casing sometimes eating each other until their big enough to catch other prey. It's truly amazing to see Nature at it's best and the purpose all these insects have in the world we live in today!
Uploaded
October 23rd, 2012
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Comments (17)
Lingfai Leung
I always thought a praying mantis looks pretty creepy to me; especially when I heard their mating behavior. Praying mantis; like Black Widow are famous 'man-eater"! Those male partner better run fast before finish the job or will be eaten for dinner. Anyway, voted for the artwork.
Leslie Crotty replied:
LINGFAI, YOUR ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ABOUT THAT, AFTER MATING THE MALE MIGHT AS WELL SAY HIS PRAY! THEIR HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN AFTER THE FEMALE BITES HIS HEAD OFF THE MALE CONTINUES DOING WHAT HE'S DOING FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES!!!!!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LES
Chris Berry
Interesting shot- from the colors to the look in the Manis eyes-they do seem thoughtful and interactive. f/v
Leslie Crotty replied:
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY VIEWING, AND YOUR NICE COMMENT, (F/V). HE WAS A LITTLE CURIOUS CHECKING WHAT HIS DINNER WAS GOING TO BE! LES
Susan Wiedmann
Love it. Did the butterfly get away? F/V.
Leslie Crotty replied:
SUSAN, THE BUTTERFLY WAS OK. I PURCHASED ON THE INTERNET ON A SITE CALLED "BUTTERFLY UTOPIA.COM". THEY HAVE SUCH A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS, YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT, AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR (F/V), LES
AnnaJo Vahle
You have some of the most interesting photos I have seen. This is fabulous on every level. f/v
Leslie Crotty replied:
ANNA JO, THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS, F/V, THEY ARE TRULY VERY UNIQUE IN THEIR OWN WAY, LES
Mariola Bitner
Stunning praying mantis capture. In the kingdom of insects, they rule. Always love your descriptions about them. I had the opportunity of having a praying mantis that lived in my garden. Almost everyday I saw her (him?) and had the chance to see it grow up from about one cm to over 10 cm long. Fantastic creatures! V/F
Leslie Crotty replied:
MARIOLA, THANKS SO MUCH FOR VIEWING MY LITTLE KINGDOM OF INSECTS AND YOUR V/F. IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE THAT MANTIS YOU SAW IN YOUR GARDEN AS A HATCHLING AND GREW TO 51/2"-6" DID HIS JOB KEEPING THE INSECT POPULATION UNDER CONTROL IN YOUR GARDEN! HOPEFULLY THEY WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR AND START THE CYCLE ALL OVER AGAIN! LES
Lenore Senior
This shows the world as from the insects' point of view....what their world must look like. How gorgeous and dangerous it is! v/f
Leslie Crotty replied:
LENORE, YOU HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD! THAT'S A PERFECT ANALOGY! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOR (F/V) LES
Xueling Zou
They look like friends talking to each other, wonderfully captured, gorgeous colors, Leslie! Thank you!!
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