Nature's Perfect Predator
Jan 23, 2020 09:53:32 #
At least that is what google says about the Praying Mantis.
Short story behind these photos. There is a historical forest preserve not far from where I live;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Portage_National_Historic_Site
The environment during the seasons was a great place to capture pictures of birds.
One of the first times my shooting buddy and I visited the preserve we met another photographer who liked bugs and Macro photography, had captured some pictures of Praying Mantis he showed us on his camera.
Well nine years later, we finally saw the elusive Praying Mantis and was able to get some captures.
Taken with D500 and Nikon 200-500mm
Shutter speed 1000, f/7.1 (probably should have shot f/8 or f/9 for some more depth of field.
Watching the pupil in the eye move was fascinating, to see in the captue downloads necessary.
Short story behind these photos. There is a historical forest preserve not far from where I live;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Portage_National_Historic_Site
The environment during the seasons was a great place to capture pictures of birds.
One of the first times my shooting buddy and I visited the preserve we met another photographer who liked bugs and Macro photography, had captured some pictures of Praying Mantis he showed us on his camera.
Well nine years later, we finally saw the elusive Praying Mantis and was able to get some captures.
Taken with D500 and Nikon 200-500mm
Shutter speed 1000, f/7.1 (probably should have shot f/8 or f/9 for some more depth of field.
Watching the pupil in the eye move was fascinating, to see in the captue downloads necessary.
When first spotted.
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
Profile change
(Download)
A little closer and more zoom
(Download)
Little more detail in the wing.
(Download)
Jan 23, 2020 09:59:07 #
ggab
Loc: ?
Homer60 wrote:
At least that is what google says about the Prayin... (show quote)
Very good shots.
I raised Praying Mantis's for a couple of seasons. They helped keep the stink bug's in check when my area was hit with them.
Jan 23, 2020 10:26:53 #
Thanks for the respnse, were they hard to raise?
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
Jan 23, 2020 10:28:41 #
Thanks for the response, were they hard to raise?
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
Jan 23, 2020 10:43:18 #
Jan 23, 2020 11:01:22 #
Jan 23, 2020 11:07:41 #
Jan 23, 2020 11:11:34 #
UTMike wrote:
Excellent set (photos and information)!
UTMike,
Thanks for the response and kind words.
Researching the subjects of the photos keeps my mind active.
Mike
Jan 23, 2020 11:12:24 #
Bob Mevis wrote:
Wonderful set and great info.
Bob,
Thank you for the kind repsonse.
Mike
Jan 23, 2020 11:13:13 #
Jan 23, 2020 11:48:50 #
ggab
Loc: ?
Homer60 wrote:
Thanks for the respnse, were they hard to raise?
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike
They were actually rather easy.
I used a 10 gal fish tank with a clear cover.
I used small non flying fruit flies and crickets for food.
I bought eggs and hatched them. Too bad I wasn't into photography then, I could have had some cool shots.
Jan 23, 2020 12:27:54 #
Thanks for the information, it gets cold here in the Chicago area will have to investigate.
Mike
Mike
Jan 24, 2020 08:43:29 #
Nice group of photos. I like the 4th shot the best, with the Mantis looking right at you. Gives the impression of some interaction between the viewer and the "bug". Fun stuff, thanks for sharing!
Jan 24, 2020 10:32:57 #
Homer60 wrote:
At least that is what google says about the Prayin... (show quote)
Great captures of this insect!
Jan 24, 2020 11:20:40 #
Homer60 wrote:
At least that is what google says about the Prayin... (show quote)
Excellent shots of this interesting and captivating creature. Enjoyed your narrative. I had obtained a couple of egg sacs from a local nursery and when they hatched, literally hundreds of little praying mantises were running amok in my garden. I doubt many made it to adulthood. Thanks for sharing.
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