Praying Mantis

The scary looking predator on the right is a Praying Mantis. They lie in wait for prey to fly or crawl by and then snatch it up with its long raptorial legs that are lined with spikes. Nymphs feed on aphids and fruit flies, while adults prey upon wasps, butterflies, bumble bees and, incredibly enough, an occasional hummingbird ! I once saw a mantis eating a cicada while it was still alive. I heard this dramatic scene happening before I actually saw it, as the cicada was making its loud noise while it was held in the spiked grip of the mantis’ forelegs.