Mantis - Sure look like aliens to me! :-)

08/01/2007 10:42:21 PM · #1

Found this mantis visiting outside the window tonight. Just thought I'd share.

Thanks for looking! :)

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/01/2007 11:17:18 PM · #2

Thanks for the comment Kenny. I've checked and everyone is accounted for! :P

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

08/01/2007 11:58:33 PM · #3

I have always found their "eye dots" creepy!! They ALWAYS seem to be looking right at me... then that weird thing they do with their arms all the time... *shudders*

There was one about 6-8 inches (I swear this is NOT an exaggeration) hanging out on a large weed near my sliding glass doors that was throwing a HUGE shadow into my bedroom, when I pulled back the curtain to see what it was, it turned its head and looked at me... I was so scared, I wouldn't go near the door for 3 days!! It was SO big, I could see its green juices in its abdomen pulsating and that abdomen was as big around as 3 of my fingers together!!

**I did not have a camera at the time, mine was broken and I know this sounds like an awful Big Fish story, but I swear it is true**

Kudos on a great picture though :)

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

08/02/2007 12:06:32 AM · #4

He-he! Thanks for the chuckle Johnna (

TCGuru).

One of the amusing things I like about them is the way they swivel their heads around to watch you.

In the late spring we see quite a few small ones (smaller than this guy):

In the late fall we see some, not as many, that reach 6 to 7" in length. They can be a bit feisty! :)

I'm glad to have them around as they do eat many other insects that can be a nuisance to trees/shrubs and the garden.

Thanks for the comment. :P

BeeCee

Nikon D40

08/02/2007 12:15:22 AM · #5

I want one! (and the gear that shot it, too...) :)

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

08/02/2007 12:28:05 AM · #6

Originally posted by BeeCee:

I want one! (and the gear that shot it, too...) :)

Thanks!

BTW, I couldn't resist this. :P

Just in case...(pssssttt, it's a joke). ;)

BeeCee

Nikon D40

08/02/2007 01:15:53 AM · #7

Dear, I do recognise that it takes talent and skill as well as the equipment ;) But no matter how much skill and talent I have (not much, I admit) I could never take that without the gear as well! :)

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

08/02/2007 01:48:43 AM · #8

My daughter keeps them for pets. They become very visible late August early September around here. She usually keeps a couple of big ones and feeds them crickets til they die shortly after laying a huge egg sack. I have yet to get the eggs to hatch. Probably a good thing though. I'd hate to wake up one morning to a 100 little mantids all over the house.