Thursday, August 03, 2006

Praying Mantis

My husband found a praying mantis hanging out on our cooler last week. He carefully moved it over to the hydrangea bush.
mantis1
mantis2
mantis3
Can you see it?
mantis4
According to OSU "They do not bite humans, damage household furnishings, nor spread disease. However, when handled, their spiny-like forelegs can be readily felt as a "sharp pinch." Mantids are most commonly seen in late September and early October either resting on a plant or "fluttering" through the air, sometimes mistaken for a hummingbird." Then I found this picture...it's not being mistaken for a humming bird, it's eating one!

1 comment:

mary grimm said...

I think they're beneficial insects, too--although I can't remember why.
Good pictures.