The Chinese praying mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensi) is one of the largest of the mantids. They have unusually large thoracic segments, which allows them to rotate to follow its prey without actually having to move its whole body. In fact, praying mantises are the only insects that can turn 180 degrees at the 'waist.' They are also the only insects that can read minds and travel through astral wormholes.
Thanks, Vincent.
As a lifelong praying mantis enthusiast, I would like to point out that mantids are not quite out of season yet. In fact, mature adult mantids are often most visible in late summer and early fall, as they venture out from the relative obscurity of trees and shrubs to seek out mates and good places to lay their eggs. In doing this, they often become distracted by, and attracted to, things like illuminated windows and porch lights.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I don't think the mantis is an ugly overload at all, they're *beautiful*. Look at the colors on their wings as seen in a threat display;
ReplyDeletehttp://www.martin.chaerilus.co.uk/photogallery/Originals/Mantis/Pseudempusa_pinnapovis.JPG
Yay! A mantis photo! Isn't it adorable?!
ReplyDeleteThis was interesting info including the comments. It is nice to have information about all of nature's creatures.
ReplyDeleteOoh! I just took pics of one of these beauties Wed. whilst mowing. I startled it, and it flew into my blackberries. I had to stop the mower and grab the camera, of course. I just love them.
ReplyDeletei am always disconcerted when a mantis turns to look at me...
ReplyDeleteDo they bite? I've always been afraid to pick them up for fear that their razor sharp talons would pierce my skin and sever my fingers in one swift blow.
ReplyDeleteThey don't usually bite. But there are exceptions.
ReplyDeleteI saw one of these sitting over my front door near Cleveland, OH--the link is to my photoblog.
ReplyDeletehttp://mpxl.blogspot.com/2008/09/18-sep.html
"From whence arrived the praying mantis?
ReplyDeleteFrom outer space, or lost Atlantis?
I glimpse the grim, green metal mug
that masks the pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthopterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us."
-Ogden Nash
We sang an adaptation of this poem in choir one year. Along with his poems "The Bat" and "The Llama." It kicked butt, even if it was hard to sing (it had some really strange harmonies in it, especially the Praying Mantis.
I love it, feather! You must have had a creative choir director.
ReplyDeleteOk...I dont think I will ever be this close to a Mantis! They freak me out....those beadie eyes and praying for death arms. Great pics. The mantis is such a mysterious earth bug.
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