Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Praying Mantis

We have seen some unusual flora and fauna around our house this summer. First there was the mushroom invasion, then the enormous snail, and who could forget the deer that I chased around in my pajamas?

Recently we had another visitor to our backyard. While I was at work Honey Daddy spotted a praying mantis in our yard. He picked it up on his spade and transferred it to a mason jar so that I could see it and take photographs of it the next day.

Jonah was absolutely fascinated with the praying mantis. Of course he wanted to keep it as a pet, but I told him we would let it live in our garden. So we got ready to let him go, but first we had to watch him for a while.

I opened the lid of the jar expecting the mantis to make a run for it. Surprisingly he just sat there at the edge of the jar. It was almost like he was asleep.

I kept getting closer and closer until I got to the point that my camera lens would no longer focus. But I suppose I got close enough.


I wish I had a macro lens... but I have to say that my camera does a pretty nice job regardless!

The mantis never did consent to leave the jar. So I took the jar to the garden and ended up tipping him out, and we haven't seen him since.

15 comments:

  1. I've found 3 or 4 of them around. Arn't bugs cool! Just as long as their not pests. :P

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  2. He's pretty cool looking! Nice job on the photos.

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  3. I had seen these in books and on television; gross! To my surprise, they were our neighbors (country living) at our last home. My children absolutely loved them (and all the other bugs) and my husband had fun teaching them all about them.

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  4. That is so cool!! But, I would freak out if it was out of the jar!

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  5. Those are pretty awesome pictures. My kids would love a closer glance at one! Fun!

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  6. My all time FAVORITE bug to find in the garden (and it brings good luck too!)

    Very cool photos!

    Happy WW!

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  7. Really cool! (At least through the computer. If I found one I'd be screaming!)

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  8. I've always been intrigued by preying mantis'. Your pictures are great! I missed the post about you chasing a deer around in your PJ's!

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  9. Your camera does do a great job. However, with a macro I'm sure you could see the bug's pores!

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  10. Great shots of the praying mantis. I can't say that I have ever seen on in person. They are neat little creatures aren't they?

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  11. You did such a great job on those pictures!

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  12. Neat! That would be a pretty cool bug to find in your yard!
    We have never found anything that exotic around here. I'm happy just to see ladybugs...

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