A Praying Mantis
In State College
Sept. 8, 2013
 


 
The previous Friday I had my first praying mantis encounter since moving to State College, Pennsylvania, nine years ago.

While walking outside in the game land, I had noticed something somewhat different in a small field of goldenrod, moved aside a stalk to have a closer look, and there it was.

 
Praying mantis
 

From the mantis's expression, I've the feeling that it was equally surprised on seeing me.
 
Praying mantis
 

After a few minutes, the praying mantis decided that I wasn't a threat and resumed hunting.
 
Praying mantis
 

In checking out the mantis on Bugguide.net, I discovered that this was an introduced species, and most probably the Chinese mantid (Tenodera sinensis); whatever, it will always be a praying mantis for me.

Photo note: The photo was taken with a Pentax K20D, with the Voigtlander 125mm macro lens, on September 6, 2013.



 
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