Posts Tagged: spiked forelegs

The Cactus Climber

He's a survivor. His sisters and brothers didn't eat him when he emerged from the egg case. In fact, he probably ate some of his brothers and sisters. He has managed to elude his predators: bats, birds and spiders. Yes, our praying mantis is very much...

Praying mantis, perfectly camouflaged, stops in the midpoint of his climb. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Praying mantis, perfectly camouflaged, stops in the midpoint of his climb. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Praying mantis reaches the summit. In the background is a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Praying mantis reaches the summit. In the background is a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Praying mantis folds his spiked forelegs, as if in prayer. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Praying mantis folds his spiked forelegs, as if in prayer. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Perfect Camouflage

What a perfect camouflage! Have you ever seen a green praying mantis hiding among the green growth in your garden? Concealed. Disguised. Camouflaged. The praying mantis is a patient insect. It will lurk for hours in its familiar prayer-like position,...

Camouflaged praying mantis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Camouflaged praying mantis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Exposed! Praying mantis peering around green stems. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Exposed! Praying mantis peering around green stems. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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