Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Spiny Flower Mantis Nymphs Part 2

I watched a Mantis Nymph eat a butterfly this morning. I'm pretty sure I could sit out in the garden for hours and watch these guys go about their day. They seem to have their own territories and keep a close eye on one another...and me!





Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Spiny Flower Mantis Nymphs

After a big rainstorm this afternoon I ventured into the wilds of our garden with camera in hand. I got no further than the top of the stairs leading to the back of the property before I stumbled upon a crop of purple flowers that looked like a great habitat for bugs. To my delight, I found about 20 diminutive (~1cm) mantids in startling colors and textures! From my brief web search I learned that they are Spiny Flower Mantis Nymphs. Although I didn't get a photograph of it, I witnessed two Mantids fighting or at least jostling for position. The underside of the carapace is quite smooth and colorful.

ps. I learned something from this experience: wind is not the friend of the field bug photographer. It's a bit like shooting a mantis shrimp in a strong current. I shall return tomorrow, hopefully under better conditions.

Click on each photo for larger format.