Deadly hunter in my garden

in Fascinating Insects • 4 years ago

The jungle forests have their deadly hunters but my little garden here in Arizona also has a deadly hunter that uses its camouflage and stealth to stalk its prey.20201008_123605(1).jpg

The Arizona Praying Mantis (Stagmomantis limbata) that I have found prowling my garden is usually a beautiful green creature (which blends in wonderfully with the green foliage)
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although it stands out when not hidden among the greenery
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I spotted this brown specimen the other day perched among the leaves of my tomato plants. A pretty sight but not exactly hidden.
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I watched it for a few minutes as it slowly moved around but then went off to check on other things. When I came back the mantis had snared an unlucky grasshopper with its spiked front legs in a now inescapable grip of death.
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Not the most enjoyable way to go for that grasshopper but that's one less pest to feed on my vegetables. Hopefully the mantis stays around to continue th e cycle of life next season.
Enjoy

#fascinating #insects #nature #photography #palnet #steemit
4 years ago in Fascinating Insects by
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