Caught Out

MarkB1 · Post by **MarkB1** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:36 am

This Mantis is usually only 'seen' camouflaged against the bark of trees in the shadows of the bush, in my experience. I followed this fellow around the wall of a building for a while to see what would happen. He didn't like being corralled but it worked to slow him down for a while and keep him from running away.

Then this Aphid appeared at a run over the edge of the wall and the Mantis took off after it and snatched it up in a vice like grip, crushing it instantly at either end.

Juicy. And tasty. To a Mantis.

Going.

That's livin.

The rest are here : Caught Out

puzzledpaul · Post by **puzzledpaul** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:48 am

Well 'stalked' - No 2'd get my vote

pp

lauriek · Post by **lauriek** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:08 am

Great shots! I so wish we had mantids here in the UK! I will probably try buying some as little pets one day!

Aynia · Post by **Aynia** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:28 am

Great set of shots.!!

Harold Gough · Post by **Harold Gough** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:10 pm

We have no mantids in the UK, but we have some escaped stick insects (phasmids). You need to go to the Scilly Isles, or perhaps the warmest parts of the far southwest, to find them.

Harold

missgecko · Post by **missgecko** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 3:23 am

Mark,

I've never ever seen a mantis like this one!! I'm down south and have only ever seen the small and large green mantis. The second shot is brilliant.

Cheers
Sam

MarkB1 · Post by **MarkB1** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 7:21 am

Thanks for comments people. Glad you like them. Now it's beginning to warm up here in Brisbane I expect I will get to know the wildlife in the nearby NR, other than flies.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:57 am

WOW...very exotic looking Mark and great photos. Just green & brown ones here in my area. #2

Amazing how food stops them in their tracks.