Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Now That's Some Critter...!

Sometimes mother nature can come up with a really strange creation! That's the case with this mantis!

It's pretty and scary at the same time. In my opinion, it's one of the prettiest insects that nature has to offer! Good for Tuesday, I think!

Devil’s Flower Mantis
Idolomantis Diabolica


One of the largest types of praying mantis, the Devil’s Flower Mantis is also one of the strangest. And that’s saying a lot when you’re talking about praying mantids. Females of the species can measure up to 5 inches (13 cm) long, and have developed a range of natural coloring that allows them to mimic the Devil’s Flower, a type of orchid.

Mantids are predators, and their hunting style usually involves sitting motionless until their prey comes within reach, and then whipping their forearms out at lightning speed to snag flies, beetles, even, in some cases, birds. The Devil’s Flower Mantis uses color patterns that mimic a flower to actually lure its prey within reach.

I never get tired at looking at the beauty nature has to offer. Just a small sample of what God can do! Amazing!

How about coffee in the kitchen this morning? Rain is still hanging around, so we better stay off the patio!
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10 comments:

  1. ChickenmomJuly 16, 2013 at 4:57 AM

    Now that is a pretty one. Haven't seen a praying mantis in a long, long time.
    When we were little, we were told we could never kill one because we would be fined $50.00 by the police! Needless to say we never did! Hot and humid here again today.

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  2. Andolphus GreyJuly 16, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    Just as happy to not have any of those around here. Still, they probably eat a lot of destructive bugs, so I'd leave them alone.

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  3. linda mJuly 16, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    That is a beautiful insect. I've never seen a live one before, but do marvel at what The Creator has made. Very hot and humid here - windows are all "fogged" up from the A/C.

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  4. MamahenJuly 16, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    Wow that's one evil looking critter! I've only seen green ones around here. Hot n muggy here for another couple of days they say. See everyone in the kitchen. I'll bring some apple frtters along. Do most of my cooking for the day early while the heats not as bad.

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  5. JOJuly 16, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Sure is a pretty mantis. great coloring.

    Coffee in the kitchen is fine we had a down pour that lasted hours. Caved in my screen room. Now to cart it off to the dumpster. :(P

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  6. MayberryJuly 16, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Looks like a ninja!

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  7. Gorges SmytheJuly 16, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    For some reason, it reminds me of a samari in traditional garb.

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  8. HermitJimJuly 16, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Hey Phyllis...
    I never heard that about the fine. Sounds like a story that parents would make up!

    Thanks for coming by today!



    Hey Sixbears...
    I would imagine that they eat a lot of bugs, for sure.

    I wouldn't want to mess with them.

    Thanks for coming over today!



    Hey Linda...
    Certainly lots of colors on this guy!

    Hot and humid all around today!

    I sure appreciate the visit this morning!



    Hey Mamahen...
    Sounds like a good idea, cooking in the coolest part of the day.

    I'm looking forward to the fritters!

    Thanks for dropping by today!



    Hey Jo...
    Sorry to hear about the loss of the screen room.

    Have a great day and thanks, sweetie, for coming over!



    Hey Mayberry...
    Looks like it's ready for battle, doesn't it?

    Thanks, buddy, for coming over!



    Hey Gorges...
    The coloring sure looks like formal garb, doesn't it?

    Thanks for coming over!

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  9. RobJuly 16, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    That looks like something out of a comic book!

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  10. UnknownJuly 17, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    It is an amazing insect to look at... on the computer! I have to admit, even as colorfully adorned as it is, I'm glad I don't have them in my garden! :-)

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