There was a time when I was actively looking and hoping to find stick insects and mantids but without much luck. However, in the last few weeks I have been seeing the Green Mantids, more commonly known as Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa), in quite a few places and have been happily taking photos of these insects.
The Praying Mantises can be quite shy in a way, and once they know that you have spotted them, quite often, they will try to hide or camouflage themselves by clinging really close to the leaf or stem they're on.
After all, they are cryptically coloured and the greens can match the leaves where they make their homes. I try to keep a distance so as not to disturb them but at times, when you linger nearby, some of them will still try to hide.
Their modus operandi is to stay very still while they wait for an unsuspecting prey to come close enough to be caught. Nevertheless, we are also possible predators to them.
The way they stand, with their front legs held together while they are waiting for prey, makes it look like they are praying.
But I suppose this Praying Mantis was also praying for me to move on and move away...
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