Another Cutie of a Cricket

I went out on a bug safari last night and came back disappointed, mostly in my photographs. Here's the only shot that made the cut, another cute cricket.

Love on the Fly

I love the little beards on these flies. Looks like they need a Harley...and a hotel.

Portrait - Dragonfly

Click on the third photo for more detail!

Ant vs the Aphids

There is no doubt who wins this battle. The ant was in no hurry at all. Eat an Aphid, get a drink of water. Repeat as necessary.

Just Keep Eating

Water Droplet - Mantid

Check out the water droplet just below the mantid's head!
Caught the reflection of a nearby flower.
This individual just molted to an adult last night.
I can now count 6 adults and about 8 nymphs.

Tree of Pain

There was a monkey in our backyard this afternoon, but he was out of range for a decent photo. But the tree itself is worthy of a photo...the tree of pain. Good luck little monkey!

UWET at UWEC

Amelia and I joined our friend Amy at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center this morning. The zoo is absolutely fantastic! Amelia loved seeing the giraffes and, surprisingly, the big snakes! We'll definitely be going back.

Cocoon and Moths

We've got lots of caterpillars transforming into moths at the moment.

Amelia's Jumping Spider

I was walking past the car with Diane and Amelia this afternoon and Amelia says, "Jumping Spider, Jumping Spider, Jumping Spider". And sure enough, there was a big black and white jumping spider on the car. Good find Amelia.

Mantid Wing Development

Here's a decent shot of a mantid nymph's wing development...and technique for devouring a moth.















Check out the little water droplet on the mantid's shoulder!

Cutie of a Cricket

Not such a Cutie

Mantid and the Moth

I watched this mantid nymph grab a moth right out of the air this morning...ate its twitching head off in no time.






















I threw this shot in just to document the development of the mantids. Still no wings under the abdomen. Nice pose.

Mature Spiny Flower Mantis

This evening I saw my first mature Spiny Flower Mantis in the backyard. I don't think this individual belongs to the same cohort of nymphs that are still in the development stages. It was already quite dark outside when I found this guy, so I'll go back out tomorrow and see if I can get some better photos.

A Few Shots

Backyard

I took a walk into the backyard before dinner this evening and shot a few bugs.

I Love Mantis Nymphs

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!

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.