Sunday, January 16, 2011

I AM THE GREATEST!



"I AM THE GREATEST!!"



Courtesy of YouTube

"I tussled with a whale!"


"I throw thunder in jail!"


Preying Mantis in threat position.
He really is the greatest, isn't he?
No fear!
Ready to take on anyone or anything!


This is one of the many joys of gardening...
viewing the multitude of marvels and wonders
we rarely see while bustling through our daily routines.
Nothing less than fantastic!

19 comments:

The Florida Blogger said...

It seems to me that if there ever were an alien race living on earth they might look something like a mantis.

Unknown said...

Awesome photos, Kim. I had never seen that done before.

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning shots!! Kudos!

Sandy Nawrot said...

Those are amazing photos! I don't think I've ever seen one of these in my yard. Still, I can't help but remember these are also the insects that eat their partners, right after they mate...

Anonymous said...

I was laughing at them, but these are really good shots. I loved your captions.

Andrea said...

We have lots of praying manthis here, but they surely looks so different than this one, though their heads look the same. Yes, these unusual creatures make our gardening more fascinating. thanks.

Gary said...

Mantis really give me the creeps, so glad we don't get them over here! Wonderful shots though.

NanaK said...

Oh, those are some great shots and captions! I've never seen a mantis in threat mode. I'll have to see if I can threaten one next time I see one in my garden. But if it flies or jumps at me...well, I'm a sissy.

Gary said...

And what a brilliant Ali clip.....he is definitely 'Man of the Match!'

Unknown said...

Great shots Kimberly.
Have a great week.
Costas

Floridagirl said...

LOL. That is a gorgeous specimen! Yes, he's the greatest!

Lona said...

I love this posting. I just laughed and laughed. Preying Mantis are so mean looking anyway but this one is the best. I have never saw one like it before. Ours are all those big green ones.Have a wonderful week.

Curbstone Valley Farm said...

Wow Kim, those mantid shots are awesome! I just see the green ones here, yours look much more elaborate (and proud of themselves LOL).

Meems said...

Love preying mantis but have never seen one in that stance. Amazing.
Meems

Kimberly said...

This guy was on my shovel this last weekend, apparently not happy with the fact that I intended to use it for it's original purpose. This is the first time I've seen a mantis other than the green kind. I was amazed at the boldness of this creature...it never once backed down from me.

Sandy, indeed, these fierce predators eat their mates after the deed is done. Shiver!!!

FB, I'm certain aliens look like this.

Gary, creepy, for sure!! The fact that it has no fear of anything makes me fear it! Thus the Ali clip!

Clare, this mantis is VERY proud! CRAZY!!!!

Susan said...

Awesome photos, Kim. This little guy was really putting on a show for you.

Noel Morata said...

aloha friend,

happy new year to you...sounds like you have been through alot of changes...whew

i guess you have to be as tough as this mantis is and doing the dance! i'm looking forward to hearing about your new garden and plans for the future

best,

noel

Randy Emmitt said...

Kimberly,

I'm not an mantis expert by any means. This might be the native Carolina Mantis, a bit smaller than the Chinese(large green one) and it has shorter wings. Your photo shows short wings, though I have never see one display like this.

Dave@gardeningonadime said...

I have never seen a mantis that looked like yours! Amazing.....and the piece on Ali........the man did know how to dance like a butterfly....The "Stones" were sounding pretty good too. What a combo post.........THANKS Kimberly.