I See You! by ShadowsNTime
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Description
This beautiful macro by Alex.Such a cute little baby mantis! This little guy was on the concrete and Alex 'rescued' him and put him on the plant. Seems the little guy appreciated it as he posed for the camera:-) Very photogenic don't you think? The title is such because he really does see you! The compound eyes are capable of seeing images and colors. The three simple eyes perhaps tell the differences between light and dark.. The simple eyes are arranged in a triangle between the antennae. Compound eyes are made up of hundreds of facets constructed with two lenses. These focus the light down a light sensitive structures (rhabdome) which is connected to the optic nerve.
All info was found at
http://insected.arizona.edu/mantidinfo.htm
Praying Mantid Information Phylum, Arthropoda; Class, Insecta; Order, Mantodea
Identifying Features
Three distinct body regions: head, thorax (where the legs and wings are attached), abdomen.
Part of the thorax is elongated to create a distinctive 'neck'.Front legs modified as raptorial graspers with strong spikes for grabbing and holding prey.Large compound eyes on the head which moves freely around (up to 180°) and three simple eyes between the compound eyes.
Females usually have heavier abdomen and are larger than males.A distinct Styrofoam-like egg case protects Mantid eggs throughout the winter. Up to 200 or more nymphs may emerge from the egg case. The nymphs look like adults except for size and the sexual definition.
Coloration and patterns in the nymph stage may be
different than the adult.Praying mantids are highly predacious and feed on a variety of insects, including moths, crickets, grasshoppers and flies. They lie in wait with the front legs in an upraised position. They intently watch and stalk their prey. They will eat each other.Praying mantids are often protectively colored to the
plants they live on. This camouflage facilitates their predaceous behavior. Mantids are usually found on plants that have other insects around. Some mantids live in grass. Winged adults may be attracted to black lights in late summer and early fall.The adult female usually eats the male after or during mating. Mantid's grasping response is incredibly rapid, so that you see it before it catches the insect and when the insect is in its front legs. The motion is barely a blur if it is perceived at all.
Impact on the Ecosystem: Positive
Mantids are active predators and consume other
insects. They are good garden predators, but
cannot keep up with the population growth of some
insect populations and do not discriminate between
beneficial and harmful garden insects.
Negative: None known.
Thanks for looking and for previous comments!
Comments (23)
emmecielle
Wonderful macro!!! :)
Tanglimara
Fabulous macro photography and an interesting read. Tony :-)
Liam.
excellent catch
ElusiveAngel
Stunning! I love these guys, and when they are babies, they are sooo cute. My daughter likes to play with them. A love shot and thanks for the information with it. :)
leanndra
A sweet little capture! Love these little guys and "walking-sticks" too! Lea
ledwolorz
Fantastic macro shot.
GBCalls
Excellent Macro!
SapUS59
excellent capture my friend, they have some great camouflage abilities.
rainbows
A wonderful work, I think I would be scared of this insect! We do not have them here in Uk. Hugs for a happy day. Diane.
ShadowsNTime
Thanks everyone!great text, partner!....alex
DarkStormCrow
Excellent capture..
cherokee1961
VERY cool capture!
artice
WOW! LOVE HOW SHE EATS THE MALE..LOL
dhanco
Superb macro, Lynn. Those little creatures are simply fascinating and thanks for sharing the info. Thank Alex for rescuing the little guy!
e-brink
Baby? He looks like a giant monster. Great shot.
hydroCat
Perfect! :)) They're my fave bug, great info, LYnn, and great capture and safe, Alex! Can't wait to see more! :)
durleybeachbum
Lucky you, having these in your garden! Super shot!
virginiese
Yes ! Very photogenic guy :-) Nice shot ! Bravo Alex !
mickuk50
what an interesting read lynn and a fantastic capture by alex .has your stormy weather passed now ? mick
furuta
I have been found by mantis!! Wonderful capture!!
Eldeago
I used to hate them when I was a kid!
lior
Excellent title and super macro!
Steeleyes101
Nice you do have a oneness with nature. Please expand by doing some like this at night. Im sure the dark night background will only enhance the beauty in your work. Also much mysteries of nature waiting for ya out there in the dark Excellent work of natural art