Praying Mantis on a Hummingbird Feeder

by Judi on Aug 24, 2006

Originally uploaded by madaise.

I was washing dishes and saw this little praying mantis on one of the hummingbird feeders. Try as I might, I could not get a good clear image of the mantid.

At one point, Cas thought he was sleeping - but I told her I thought it was watching us… just about then, it turned it’s head from facing one of us, to the other. As if he was listening to us talk.

I didn’t think much of it visiting the hummingbird feeder, other than it may help keep the little buggies and bees from getting into the nectar. Then I happened across this post about a mantis making a meal out of a hummingbird - ouch! I think this one is too small, at roughly 2.5-3″ long… so I hope I don’t witness any hummingbird murders.

We can’t really figure how he got to the feeder - it would be a stretch, I’m sure he could make… And I figure it probably “fluttered” there, but just to be helpful, I hung a plant nearby in hopes it would find shelter there. I do have another mantid (brown in color) homing in a spider plant.. I’ve watched it grow from about an inch, to now close to 2 inches or slightly more.

Then, a visit to a friends blog and I see this great photo of a walking stick. The last time I saw a walking stick I think I was about 16… it’s been ages! ;) Take a visit to The Impaitient Gardener to see the walking stick… but don’t leave too quickly.. there are plenty of beautiful pictures to see… take a walk through her garden. :)

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Cicada

by Judi on Aug 12, 2006

Originally uploaded by merelyhere.

This is such a great capture taken and posted by merelyhere.

A nymph emerging from it’s shell… the wing colors are so pretty.

Reminded me of the Cicada Invasion - Brood X, we had in our area the summer of 2004.. Only coming out every 17 years. It was amazing to see. We had so many of them. I was, admittedly, glad when they finally were gone.

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