Mantis Displays His Colors

The Artistry of Camouflage

 
My slogan, "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" transpired from those awesome moments when I stumbled on nature's most creative side.  One of those rare moments was when I tried to move a male praying mantis from the street to a more secure location and he fanned out his wings in a manner of protest.

Most of the time the praying mantis will spend it's time going unnoticed by camouflage and concealment to blend in with the surroundings with It's front legs are folded as if in prayer. 

 When the legs are unfolded, they reveal sharp, long spikes for grasping prey.  During the few times that I have held a mantis, I have never been bit, however the spikes are very sharp and once in their grasp there is no getting away.

When threatened, the mantis will try and make itself appear larger by standing tall, spreading its wings and raising the forelegs in a combative stance.

As beautiful as the vivid colors and eyespot appear on the wings, they are there for a practical application, to startle a predator. 

  

For additional reading:
http://insected.arizona.edu/mantidinfo.htm

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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