Preying mantis
Sep 10, 2017 14:49:55 #
I watched this Preying Mantis (Hierodula patellifera) hunting for hours in the 33 degree C heat under a blazing Spanish sun. I love the Spanish name for this Mantis religiosa. As I watched my admiration grew for it's infinite patience. It would not strike until it was certain of success. My patience payed off when it caught a wasp although I missed the strike, just too fast.
Sep 10, 2017 14:54:02 #
Sep 10, 2017 15:01:04 #
I love the third from the end with parts of the wasp in the mandibles. Do you see "the catch?"
Sep 10, 2017 15:24:17 #
Sep 10, 2017 15:31:58 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Thanks LoneRangeFinder Life is never easy is it. This mantis was deep in a bush growing adjacent to a bridge over a concrete irrigation canal serving lemon groves. I had to hang over the handrail with sweat running into my eyes. I moved to wipe my eyes just as it struck. So yes, I saw "the catch". Wow! fast. I know, excuses, excuses! An impressive predator. I love the third from the end with parts of the wasp in the mandibles. Do you see "the catch?"
Sep 10, 2017 15:40:01 #
davids999 wrote:
t's a wonderful set and you are right: it isn't always easy. I think it's great when people watch and record behavior-- not just gather portraits.Thanks LoneRangeFinder Life is never easy is it. This mantis was deep in a bush growing adjacent to a bridge over a concrete irrigation canal serving lemon groves. I had to hang over the handrail with sweat running into my eyes. I moved to wipe my eyes just as it struck. So yes, I saw "the catch". Wow! fast. I know, excuses, excuses! An impressive predator.
Sep 10, 2017 16:44:31 #
VERY very nice! Your dedication is laudable. I also totally 2nd LoneRangeFinder. I like a 'bug on a leaf' as much as anyone (well, more than is considered normal), but recording behavior is special.
Here we see the classical black and white marking on the base of the forelimb that is a character of the European preying mantis. I don't know if there are other species with that trait.
Here we see the classical black and white marking on the base of the forelimb that is a character of the European preying mantis. I don't know if there are other species with that trait.
Sep 10, 2017 17:21:24 #
Fantastic mantis shots David. I hope you have some more images to show us from your Spanish holiday and that you had a great time.
Sep 10, 2017 19:03:13 #
Sep 10, 2017 19:59:20 #
You may have missed the strike, but these are still excellent images. Great job.
Sep 11, 2017 10:56:31 #
davids999 wrote:
I watched this Praying Mantis (Hierodula patellifera) hunting for hours in the 33 degree C heat under a blazing Spanish sun. I love the Spanish name for this Mantis religiosa. As I watched my admiration grew for it's infinite patience. It would not strike until it was certain of success. My patience payed off when it caught a wasp although I missed the strike, just too fast.
Good action in this set. Very interesting....Rich
Sep 11, 2017 13:26:24 #
Sep 11, 2017 15:27:29 #
Sep 11, 2017 18:36:36 #
Sep 12, 2017 10:05:32 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
t's a wonderful set and you are right: it isn't always easy. I think it's great when people watch and record behavior-- not just gather portraits.
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