Preying mantis 1 (Dedicated to MrsLubner) by Leeco
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Description
Nikon 7900 pocket camera, hand –held image.
This is for MrsLubner because she has recently been posting images showing a couple of Preying Mantis that reside in her garden (Bud and Fred). I believe mine is the same species (Mantis Religiosa). Because of their colors, it is my opinion that Fred is a male and Bud is a female. Mine is a female.
It took me quite a long time to not be a bit freaked out when these critters turn their neck and head to get a good look at things. I don’t think many insects can do this, lol.
I spent a fair amount of time trying to get this one to face me. I wanted a full-on shot of its face but it would not cooperate with that plan; however, if you look closely at this image, you will see that instead of turning it’s head to look at me, this one just swiveled it’s right eye all the way backwards so it could keep at least one eye on me, lol.
Recently several people have mentioned that they were unsure how I manage to get bugs and such to sit on my fingers so often. Believe me, most don’t, lol. Although it is very rare for me to actually pick one up, I do usually attempt to get them to walk onto my fingers every time I can and given the number of attempts I make, I do manage to get a few of them to do so. I had plenty of time to make attempts with this one because it is still too young to have fully formed wings and it could not fly yet.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (16)
Chipka
Excellent shot! I'm a life-long "bug" lover and so images of insects and their other multi-legged kin always fascinate me. I'm only at the very start of photographing insects, and so I don't have as much insect stock as I'd like...but that'll change over the years. Anyway, I love this image and the description you've put with it. It is quite hard to get uncooperative models to...well...pose, but the end results are always worth it when one does. This is a great shot of a great creature and I'm glad to have seen it.
NightGallery
I have never seen one of these out here yet. I read they we have them in Cali, but never seen one my whole life. Great shot, so cool you get those awesome creatures there!
MrsLubner
I sort of had the same feeling you had about the sexes of my mantises and yes, they appear to be the same species. The color variation is interesting but I read that they do have a range of color. I've seen them change color to suit their surroundings too. I don't have any trouble getting them to look at me. In fact, they seem to nearly twist their necks off just to stare me down! I think its because I pursue them every day and they become curious about me. Can bugs do that? I used to handle mantises when I was younger, until one decided it didn't want to "play" anymore and pinched me smartly with its long scissored legs. Belive me, they are strong for being so delicate looking! Look for the egg cases to start appearing. I hear if you have a large supply of fruit flies you can hatch them in tanks in the house in December...but they eat their weight twice over each day as they grow quickly! Also, for fun and giggles, go back out to find this one after dark with a flashlight. It's eyes will be totally different!
praep
Great macro. Love that Mantis-specimens. Well done, Lee.
flora-crassella
a nice "thing" ! Wonderful macro!!!
ledwolorz
Fantastic macro.
lizzibell
great capture...
durleybeachbum
How wonderful! I had no idea they could swivel their eyes too!
Meisiekind
Wonderful capture and dedi. I love them too... Very interesting narrative.. :)
vlaaitje
wonderful shot, great details, I have never see this insect in real, they look so alien....wonderful shot
RobyHermida
Wonderful capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBY ;o)
ysvry
great foto
JeffG7BRJ
I think I might have freaked out if it swiveled its head round as well, and it can also swivel individual eyes round? I'm sure I would love these critters if I had them around really. I wonder how its brain works out the imaging, one view forward one view aft. I have trouble just looking forward with both eyes. Superb capture, excellent clarity and detail. Bravo!!!!!
GBCalls
Nice notation about the critters eye looking back. I did not notice that before I read this. Well done!
bpclarke
What a beauty. I saw one of these in Missouri that was almost 3 inches or so long. Huge. Excellent capture. Bunny
skyla824
fantastic macro.. i love the detail and color.. the fingers add so much to the scale of the subject... well done