Let’s Hear It for the Little Guy!

Praying Mantis 1

Haiku 262

The predator hunts

Watching me while stalking prey

Tiny but deadly

.

Praying Mantis 2

Shortly after I had filled my newly painted blue pots with plants and placed them on the stoep, I noticed this little guy checking them out.

It seems he was drawn to the bright blue colour that complemented his own bright green.

Praying Mantis 3

In the process of spraying my bronze pots, I went to check on them to see how they were drying –

And on one of the pots, I found this little guy – all bronze!

By the time I had got my camera he had left the pot and was creeping away in the leaf litter.

Praying Mantis 4

At first I was horrified, thinking I had inadvertently sprayed the poor thing with paint, while spraying my plant pots.

On closer inspection, I realised this was just his colour.

I had never seen a bronze praying mantis before!

Maybe the little bronze guy was trying to camouflage himself on the bronze pots, just as the bright green mantis was blending in on the bright blue pot.

Amazing how like attracts like.

 

17 thoughts on “Let’s Hear It for the Little Guy!”

  4. scooj

    Fabulous. I am very taken with praying mantis, and although we don’t have them here, I have encountered many on my travels.

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    1. scifihammy Post author

      Thank you 😀
      Yes – it was a close shave! 😀
      I don’t think mantises change colour like chameleons, but they do come in many shapes and sizes. Just that those I see are usually a shade of green. 🙂

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  6. Murphy's Law

    I have always loved Praying Mantis. They were plentiful when I was a kid, but I rarely see one now. They don’t hurt humans and are helpful to farmers for the different insects they eat! I would sit quietly in the grass and at least one would walk around on me checking me out!

    My heart skipped a beat regarding the bronze paint. I was sure your new friend was a goner. 😢 Happily that was not the case!

    I agree with you Sci, bugs have to stay outside! Even Praying Mantis! End of discussion!
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      Wow – just to sit in a field and have a mantis come visit you! What fun! 😀
      I see them now and then in my garden, but the creatures I miss the most are chameleons. Haven’t seen one in many years, and they also used to be in my garden.

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