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Praying Mantis


Praying Mantis
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 277 W: 2 N: 924] (2961)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-25
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/8, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-08-25 21:08
Viewed: 433
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I went on a hike this morning and this Praying Mantis leaped on me. I'm not sure if he thought I was something to eat or not, but when I brushed him off me, he went into his stance. I happened (for once) to be carrying a lens that would enhance his features and so I focused on the top half of his body. I wanted to capture his jaws, and in some countries, this insect is known as being very vicious.

They can and will take down a humming bird. Also, they, like snakes, shed their skin, and for the first few hours, they are very vulnerable because their new skin is soft, not hard like now. In their world, it is eat or be eaten. On the bright side, I'm glad this guy isn't able to munch on me. They have powerful jaws as well as powerful arms. Those arms, while they look fragile, can hold and maintain the hold of a humming bird. I'm not sure if this guy is big enough to hold onto one of those, but he was fairly large. He might be able to take down a small rodent such as a mouse.
angybone, eqshannon, bobair has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

I like the cock of the head and the seemed expression. ha ha Very cute!
The world is full of amazing creatures, isn't it? WOW!

Hey! I think that is the same one I saw at the grocery store. Has the same clothes on!

This is among your better closeup shots. I like it a lot. Very good Kathy. All things considered and what you go through for your love of photography... it shows...

Bob

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  • bobair Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 398 W: 118 N: 1438] (5180)
  • [2007-11-01 19:53]

Hi Kathy,
I like these insects very much and I have never been bitten by one and nobody I know has,they only look like they would be vicious,they are but only to other insects.It is neat how the way the light hits their eyes so as to make appear that they have pupils like many non insect creatures but of coarse they have compound eyes.Your capture shows this very well and the colour is nice.It is true they will hunt anything they can handle but a fully grown mouse may not be do-able,but then again...A nice capture and thanks for sharing. Bob

Hi Kathy, Here is some info about you little Mantis friend.

Defense mechanisms
Generally, mantises are protected simply by virtue of concealment. When directly threatened, many mantis species stand tall and spread their forelegs, with their wings fanning out wide. The fanning of the wings evidently makes the mantis seem larger and more threatening, with some species having bright colors and patterns on their hind wings and inner surfaces of their front legs for this purpose. If harassment persists, a mantis may then strike with its forelegs and attempt to pinch or bite. As part of the threat display, some species also may produce a hissing sound by expelling air from the abdominal spiracles. When flying at night, at least some mantises are able to detect the echolocation sounds produced by bats, and when the frequency begins to increase rapidly, indicating an approaching bat, they will stop flying horizontally and begin a descending spiral toward the safety of the ground, often preceded by an aerial loop or spin.

Regards
Karl

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