Look who I discovered while watering (again) yesterday ...
I believe this is a European Mantis (Mantis religiosa). There is a tell-tale black ringed white spot on the right foreleg which isn't clearly visible in my photos. This Mantis is native to the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to our continent according to my handy Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America.
I was thrilled to find this insect in my garden! The plant it is climbing on is honeysuckle. I have not seen one of these since I was a little girl.
It's been an exciting week here in the Violet Fern garden. Another new visitor, a Common Yellowthroat, has been hanging out in the Jewelweed, Common Bidens (frondosa) and wild Asters all week – just right outside the new screened in porch. He's even posed on the leaf trellis a few times but those warblers are just too quick for my photographic skill level.
I believe this is a European Mantis (Mantis religiosa). There is a tell-tale black ringed white spot on the right foreleg which isn't clearly visible in my photos. This Mantis is native to the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to our continent according to my handy Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America.
I was thrilled to find this insect in my garden! The plant it is climbing on is honeysuckle. I have not seen one of these since I was a little girl.
It's been an exciting week here in the Violet Fern garden. Another new visitor, a Common Yellowthroat, has been hanging out in the Jewelweed, Common Bidens (frondosa) and wild Asters all week – just right outside the new screened in porch. He's even posed on the leaf trellis a few times but those warblers are just too quick for my photographic skill level.
