Praying Mantis: From Nymph to Adult
 

Most days this summer, I've found this little guy amongst the leaves of my hydrangeas. It's been a joy to watch him grow up over the past couple of months. Of course, I can't be 100% sure it's the same mantis, but he's always lurking around the same bush, so I'd like to think so.

I actually caught him in the act of his final molt, but didn't get any photos. Was amazed to see him take on a rich brown color as an adult.

He's the best kind of 'pet': one that is completely free, but chooses to stay :)

June 18
On a leaf
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June 24
Doing yoga on the heat pump (next to the hydrangea bush)
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July 15
Almost an adult...
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July 24
Ignoring a butterfly...maybe he was full
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August 15
Can you find him?
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There he is! Isn't he handsome?
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That is awesome! Good pictures.

Very cool!

Great pics! What a handsome fellow.

Nature as it should be,but did you know they "pray" on hummingbirds?

Well...no, I can't say that I did know that. But that would be an epic battle. I've seen hummingbirds kill other hummingbirds by impaling them with their beaks in midair! Viva la naturaleza!

Fantastic pics! Thanks for sharing :)

For your 'pet's' sake, I hope it's not a male! They come to a rather untimely end.

Haha, I think he might be actually, with his slender abdomen and brown color. They don't always get eaten, I have to say. But where there is life, there is also death...

Love the pictures thank you for sharing!!