Praying Mantis
by Bob Orsillo
Title
Praying Mantis
Artist
Bob Orsillo
Medium
Photograph - Original Fine Art Nature Photography By Bob Orsillo
Description
Praying mantises are fascinating creatures, and their predatory nature is a subject of much interest. These insects primarily feed on other insects, with their diet evolving as they grow. A young mantis in its first instar might consume tiny flies or even its siblings. As it matures, it no longer pursues such small prey. Adult mantises, especially larger species, have been observed preying on a variety of animals including small scorpions, lizards, frogs, birds, snakes, fish, and rodents. They target any creature they can overpower and that is substantial enough to attract their attention. Interestingly, the nutritional value of their prey increases exponentially with its size—a blowfly, for instance, is a much more substantial meal than a jackal fly due to its larger size.
Female mantises, when preparing to lay eggs, focus on the largest prey they can handle to maximize nutrient intake. While most mantises are ambush predators, lying in wait for their prey, some species actively hunt down their targets. Ground mantids, for example, scour the earth's surface for prey, similar to tiger beetles. Predominantly ambush predators, these mantises blend into their surroundings and remain motionless for extended periods, striking with incredible speed when prey comes within reach. This blend of stealth and agility makes the praying mantis a formidable hunter in the insect world.
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October 24th, 2010
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Comments (50)
Mr Bennett Kent
Stunning macro of my favourite insect. Beautifully posed on the focal plane and a superb bokeh background.........L/F
Bob Orsillo
Praying Mantis - Original fine art macro praying mantis insect photography by Bob Orsillo. Copyright (c)Bob Orsillo / http://orsillo.com - All Rights Reserved. Buy art online. Buy photography online
Owlspook
fantastically wonderful species the Praying Mantis are! I remember when I was young and on vacation with my parents we stopped to pick berries. I notice the bushes seemed to be vibrating. They were cover with these little beasties! I have no clue why they all congregated on those few bushes but at the time I remember thinking that I wish we had a camera so I could take pictures to prove what I saw! ...... I wanted to take a few home as pets for the garden but my mother, in horror (grin), said no lol you have a wonderful capture here and you description info was very interesting! thanks for sharing! .... and also congrats on the recent sale! (big smile)
Madeline Ellis
Congratulations, Bob, on the sale of the excellent macro image of the Praying Mantis. fav/l
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