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This insect is called a “Praying Mantis” and is typically green or brown with triangular heads, and have front legs that looking like they are praying. 

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Mantis' are well camouflaged on the plants where they live, lie in ambush or patiently stalk their victims. They wait until their victim is within striking distance and then wrap themselves around the victim and eat them alive.

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They eat small insects, retiles, and even small birds.  Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are usually the unfortunate recipients of the mantis. It can eat larger predators up to 5 times its weight. However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind too! These insects are sometimes sold to homeowners help to rid their property of unwanted insects.

The mantis’ is a tasty treat for bats, owls, frogs, and lizards.

People sometimes capture the mantis' and put them in jars as pets.

**The most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even during—mating.

This little friend was on my door knob when I came home and I touched it.  EEEEEK! Of course I ran and got my camera right then.

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These pictures were taken in Redlands and Loma Linda, CA.

Inland Empire Homeowners, please call me for a Comprehensive Market Analysis to assist you with marketing your home for sale and getting the best price possible. Buyers, if you are planning to purchase real estate, let me assist you in finding the right home.  Google me at Kristin Hamilton, Keller Williams Realty, Redlands, CA.

 

This post was authored and or picture was taken by Kristin Hamilton. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Kristin Hamilton, Keller Williams Realty, Redlands, CA.

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18 Comments on Praying Mantis- They Eat Their Mates!

OCT
27
2011
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Very interesting. I did not know that they were so voracious! I rarely see them here in Saint Augustine Florida but I am sure that they are around. I will pay much more attention to them the next time.
9:44pm • #1
165,839 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

They eat tons of bugs and stink bugs too.   I purchase egg cases in the spring....gotta love them!!!
9:44pm • #2
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Kristin - Lucky you.  A praying mantis at your door is good luck!  About every 2yrs I have a visit from one on my kitchen window.  Such fun watching and getting a close up view.
9:59pm • #3
937,015 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Praying Mantis always fascinate me.  We don't have a lot of them here, but see them occassionally.  Kids always seem to love them.
10:42pm • #5
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Diane,

I guess this is breeding time because I am starting to see them everywhere. I haven't seen one in years but I guess they are eating my pests. I had some grasshoppers but they have gone. Good riddance!

Thanks for stopping and have a lovely weekend.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
10:50pm • #6
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Yvette, Yes as I just mentioned above, I think they ate my grasshoppers that were eating on one of my plants with beautiful purple flowers. So glad it is coming back to life now. I read that homeowners purchase mantis' to rid their other insects. I have no problems with these guys around.

Have a happy and www.kristinhamiltonblog.comsuccessful weekend.

 
10:55pm • #7
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Virginia,

Really it is good luck. Well, that is wonderful news  I had not heard that before but hopefully I will have lots of good luck with all of them moving about.  Hope you get one too.

Have a lovely Halloween Monday and a great weekend too.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
10:59pm • #8
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Myrl,

They are very creepy looking with the triangular heads and bulging eyes but after a while you get used to them. I like the way they do push ups to fend off their predators. They are pretty amazing!

Happy Halloween and hope you enjoy my little Halloween critter I made on Picnik.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
11:04pm • #9
OCT
28
2011
374,478 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I think I have met a few of these but in people form (lol).

Crazy how everything interacts!

great pics
12:35am • #10
477,249 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I did know the eat mating trait of the females. I have seen where the male body was still attached to the female without the head. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of it. It was rather amazing to see.

Cal
9:02am • #11
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi David,

Funny but true. Humans mimick nature and nature mimicks humans. I guess we take the good and the bad both. Have a lovely weekend.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
10:54am • #12
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Cal,

I have never seen this in real life but just read about it. Apparently the female gets mean and becomes very agressive. They are interesting insects to look at too. I tried to pick one up but it ran off so perhaps that was a good thing. Not sure if they can hurt a human or not.

Have a great weekend.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
10:59am • #13
201,115 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Kristin~

Spooky practice of eating one's mate! Appropriate Halloween behavior to be sure! :)

Have a great weekend.

Best regards from Seattle,
3:30pm • #14
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

HI Judi,

Yes  it is creepy behavior and I believe this is not a common practice among animals and insects. Thanks for stopping and Happy Halloween. Hope your weekend is sucessful.

www.kristinhamilton.com
5:31pm • #15
1,739,172 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kristin,

Nice photos and post. Thanks for sharing this with us. :)

Steve
6:30pm • #16
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Steve,

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Halloween weekend. Thanks for the compliments.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
7:36pm • #17
OCT
29
2011
896,248 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kristin - the Praying Mantis is a predator of the hummingbird. So I have to not like them anymore :(
9:12am • #18
591,107 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Toni,

 Hummingbirds are one of my favorites so that makes me very unhappy. I will have to keep my eyes open near the feeders. Thanks and Happy Halloween.

www.kristinhamiltonblog.com
12:55pm • #19


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Kristin Hamilton CDPE, SFR, CHS, Realtor Redlands/ Loma Linda Homes for Sale, CA

Redlands, CA

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: Attn. Kristin Hamilton, Realtor, 301 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands, CA, 92373

Office Phone: (909) 557-6966

Cell Phone: (909) 557-6966

Email Me

I am a Southern California Realtor and have a wide variety of interests. First of all Real Estate is my real love and focus point but I do have hobbies. I am interested in photography; nature, landscaping, lunar and solar phases, but Birds are my favorites. I also enjoy scrapbooking, blogging, and traveling; beaches, deserts, and mountains. I am also involved in the community as I care about the Inland Empire and making it a better place to live. I write this daily blog composed of nature, real estate news and interesting stories in Southern Califoria and other places across the United States.


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