Mantis Leg Spikes: This is a focused stacked image of the front leg spikes of a preserved Carolina mantis that was gifted to me several years ago. It is a 10X magnification view of the...

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is a focused stacked image of the front leg spikes of a preserved Carolina mantis that was gifted to me several years ago. It is a 10X magnification view of the spikes that are used to hold its prey as it dines on it. Once it grabs the prey, all hope of escape is lost. It's the cycle of life for the hunter and the hunted.

Below is an image of a Chinese mantis that I found on one of my walkabouts that shows how they use stealth to ambush their prey. It shows how well they blend in and they are masters at staying still. I can only imagine how many I have walked past without noticing them.

The last image is also from my walkabouts and it shows how the mantis uses those spikes to hold its prey as they munch away on it.

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cyan Loc: Northern NJ

Fabulous! I sure wouldn't want to be his prey!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Outstanding. One can see why other insects might fear a mantis.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

cyan wrote:

Fabulous! I sure wouldn't want to be his prey!

Thanks, Cyan. The mantis is a highly efficient predator.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

kpmac wrote:

Outstanding. One can see why other insects might fear a mantis.

Thanks, Kpmac. I thought that I would do a few sessions while I have the 10X rig setup so I did one of the mantis and the accompanying images are from summer walkabouts.

TomKat Loc: Not here

One got in the house. Put my finger down for him to crawl on so I could put him into the wild. He crawled on, latched tightly with legs, and bit the crap out of my finger. It was all I could do to fling him off into the yard.
Unpredictable, but I still love em.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

TomKat wrote:

One got in the house. Put my finger down for him to crawl on so I could put him into the wild. He crawled on, latched tightly with legs, and bit the crap out of my finger. It was all I could do to fling him off into the yard.
Unpredictable, but I still love em.

TomKat, They are fascinating creatures and they are quite beneficial in controlling insect pests. There are some lovely exotic species that are highly coveted by collectors that raise and keep them. The specimen I have was preserved and given to me as a gift to add to my collection.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

The Mantis is a truly unique killing machine design... Warning Sippy, the last photo it is looking at you to size you up as a meal... or perhaps just asking for some privacy. Your photography is truly fascinating...

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Wonderful set. Especially love the second image, beautifully composed and presented.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Nice ones Gary, I have seen some beautiful, weird and impressive varieties of this insect on the net. They must have lots of niches covered.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

dpullum wrote:

The Mantis is a truly unique killing machine design... Warning Sippy, the last photo it is looking at you to size you up as a meal... or perhaps just asking for some privacy. Your photography is truly fascinating...

Thanks, Dpullum. I have a close-up and in-focus view of the grasshopper, however, it's a bit gruesome. I believe the mantis was telling me, "You're next Buddy if you don't leave me alone."

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

joehel2 wrote:

Wonderful set. Especially love the second image, beautifully composed and presented.

Thanks, Joe. Luck was on my side at that moment.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

EnglishBrenda wrote:

Nice ones Gary, I have seen some beautiful, weird and impressive varieties of this insect on the net. They must have lots of niches covered.

Brenda, there are some truly exotic species with some that are simply stunning. I can imagine why there are some folks that keep them as unique pets.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Very cool. And ....
this is a chance to look for something else on their fore-legs. They have a special brush of hairs that they use to clean their eyes, and you of all people should be very good at photographing that.
Here it is in a different species: https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=44885&p=282429#p282429 But I know for a fact that your species also has it (I've seen it). So could you find this structure and maybe show it here? 🙂

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

Very cool. And ....
this is a chance to look for something else on their fore-legs. They have a special brush of hairs that they use to clean their eyes, and you of all people should be very good at photographing that.
Here it is in a different species: https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=44885&p=282429#p282429 But I know for a fact that your species also has it (I've seen it). So could you find this structure and maybe show it here? 🙂

Mark, Way Cool...! and the game is afoot..! The most challenging part will be getting the mantis into a position where I can see the "eye brush", however, time and all the coffee I care to drink are on my side.