I have always thought that the Praying Mantis looks like an alien. It really is such a strange looking insect. To me they look like the predators that they are. They look just as aggressive too.
I am happy to have found him even if he does kind of scare me. They are one of the best beneficial insects a garden can have. Their only downside is the fact that they do not discriminate over what they will consume. The praying mantis will eat anything and everything that comes in its way; meaning it will eat other beneficial insects as well as the bad guys of the garden. And do not even get me started on what the females do to their mates! It is vicious!
This is the third year I have found them at this garden so obviously they are enjoying their stay. That is just fine with me too.
To read more about the praying mantis please follow this link to Wikipedia. There you will find some great information as well as some excellent pictures of the praying mantis.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
We’d been meaning to get an egg for our garden, but we just never got around to it. I’d love to have some of these around, but I’ve never actually seen one in real life, so I’m not really sure how I’d feel coming across one while doing my garden chores, lol.
The thing that always scares me with them is how well they can camouflage themselves. Whenever I find one it startles me! And I had someone once tell me that they were chased by one. Don’t know how true that was but I never forgot it! -Cindy
Aww, the cycle of life. Eat or be eaten. Nature is cruel at its’ best. Great video. I’ve seen one or two of these in my garden this year. They are alien like in appearance.
Don’t they just look like they are are ready to devour anything and everyone!
This guy was a little one so he didn’t freak me out so much. The link I included has some amazing pictures of them. There is one in a defense postion that would make me run away if I saw one doing that at me! lol -Cindy
I’m afraid of them too. Something about those eyes following me all over the garden and plotting stuff he’s going to do later.
Changing the conversation–but have you heard the Peasall Sisters…I think they are the best. I’m listening to them now.
Glad to hear that I am not the only one that is a little spooked by their appearance!
And to answer your question…..I do not know too much about the Peasall Sisters but I do know they have beautiful voices. Talk about harmony….
Oh, you must be back from vacation! I better run over and check out your site then!
-Cindy
I’ve never had one of those in my garden. I think I’m happy with not having aliens around.
-Cindy
I have never had one until this garden Daphne. Your comment made me smile.