Mantis and the dragonfly

[nickel plate]

This took place on a stretch of fencing just behind the cabin at a friend's ranch near Lake Berryessa, CA. We were just kicking back during a week of Dove and Deeer hunting, sharing a hot afternoon with a few cool ones. The mantis started stalking the perched dragonfly from about three feet between each other. We were all sitting about eight feet away watching the mantis slowly creep up on it's prey for about ten minutes, all of which I thought the dragon fly would spook and fly off. It wasn't until the capture that I went and got my camera so not to interfere with the hunt in progress. The mantis ate the whole dragonfly less the wings that were bitten off and drifted down to the ground for the ants to feed on.

 

[bigtiller]

I got bit in the back of my neck by a mantis around 1990. Hurt for two days. I still remember it like it was last week.

 

[Bird]

I never knew what Mantis eat, and never heard of one biting a human.

 

[nickel plate]

It was like watching Gumby eating a biplane.

 

[JESSE1]

I've seen a few over the summer. If they're out in the open I'll move them to a tree where a bird isn't likely to see them. It's interesting to pick one up. Move your hand slowly close to it and watch it swivel its head to see what's happening. They'll slowly walk up on your hand. Never had one try to bite. They do look ferocious for an insect.

 

[6thgpSF]

I think a mantis is the only insect that can move it's head. russ

 

[RobertBrown]

I'm thinkin you did'nt get the big buck or the photo's might have been a little different

 

[jinman]

Nice mantis and dragonfly pictures!:thumbsup:

I caught this mantis having a snack over 10 years ago with my first digital camera. I've always liked this photo.

 

[schoolsout]

There were some pics floating around on the internet with a mantis killing a hummingbird

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