Photos submitted by Christine Stockwell.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I was so excited to find a Preying Mantis in my garden this afternoon. I haven’t seen an adult in many years although I saw a juvenile in Spring – it was only about an inch long. I wonder if this could be the same individual or one of its siblings. The Preying Mantis is also known as the European Mantis. It’s Latin name is Mantis religious, a reference to its upright posture which looks like the insect is in prayer. However, it is preying rather than praying. This species is not native but was imported as a predator of aphids and other garden insect pests. Here it is just patiently waiting for a pollinator to fly within its reach. The second picture shows the mantis preening one of its antenea with its pedipalps (mouth parts). I remember being totally fascinated with these insects as a child. A member of God’s amazing creation!
