Friday, September 23, 2011

Wildlife Photo: Praying Mantis and What They Eat

insect, praying mantis
This photo was taken today in Yomitan Okinawa, Japan.

I always knew praying mantis were good for the garden because they eat bugs.

Like they catch and munch on flies, moths, grasshoppers, crickets and maybe, mosquitos.

But, what I didn't know was this:

Females might even eat the males during, or after reproduction.  Ouch !



And if that whets your appetite for more go on over to:

THE TELEGRAPH ARTICLE PRAYING MANTIS EATS HUMMINGBIRD !






4 comments:

Unknown said...

Even though I have not been around them much, praying mantises have always creeped me out. However, I have been around a lot of walking sticks, which are similar, and they have creeped me out just as much.

Sherry said...

I love how you focused on the mantis and blurred the background. It gives it a whole new dimension. Fabulous shot and creativity.

Ryan said...

This guy is staring you down Mike haha great shot. I read the telegraph article and was shocked to learn they also eat lizards, snakes and rodents unbelievable.

RyukyuMike said...

FishHawk;Aw, you shouldn't be creeped out by these critters. They really help a lot keeping other nasty bugs under control.

Sherry,
Thanks. I almost got real creative and jumped in the streaam alongside this guy but, decided RyukyuRusty might not appreciate me getting back in his car all wet!

Ryan,

Yeah, I found that Telegraph link after I had posted. Surprised me, too. So, I added the article as an edit. Awesome bug !