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.
I didn't know there were different types of mantis - but now, I realize - OF COURSE there are! Duh! How neat that you can identify yours! She looks happy there. :)
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to have a Common Yellowthroat! I only catch glimpses of them in wetlands in the spring. We're just starting to see some warblers come through here. I hope they get enough nourishment with this drought for their journey south...
ReplyDeleteKathy it is so different in your garden given the storms that have passed your way...a few asters blooming but we had about another tenth of an inch...seems all we get here every few weeks...but I have not seen a mantis in the garden since we moved here...they were in my wooded lot at the old house but not here...I will have to see what I can do about that.
ReplyDeleteI am always excited to see praying mantis in the garden. They are a great beneficial insect to have.
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