I grew up with the story that finding a mantis meant good luck. In fact, ancient civilizations believed the mantis had supernatural powers.
Let's see if he can bring me some luck today and by sharing him, spread some around to you all as well! ;)
I was strolling along, basking in the beautiful Bali sunshine, when this guy popped out at me! luckily I had my camera in hand!
Now, I am no professional photographer let me tell you! I ride the struggle bus when it comes to trying to take the right shot, with the perfect angle, zoomed in and focused correctly... I don't quite yet have what they call "the eye!"
However, I am learning every day and loving getting to know my Canon EOS 600D. It's taken a beating over the years of travel it's been on. It's seen dozens of countries but yet, mostly remained unused until Steemit sparked a new love inside of me!
See how his hands are bent as he sits upright? This is where the popularized name "praying mantis" comes from!
I heard that @papa-pepper initiated a contest asking for a plant and animal combo and so, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to put my new training to the test!
Let me show you what I caught!
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While mantises are found all over the world and you might have seen one like this or similar before, this one was found in a flower bush in Bali, Indonesia.
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The "Praying Mantis" is from the largest family (Mantidae) of an order of insects called Mantodea. Mantodea contains over 2,400 species in about 430 genera in 15 families.
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The mantis has large forelegs which are used to capture their prey. See the grippers on it? I was truly scared to touch him at first...
However, the mantis is harmless to us humans and is a commonly held pet due to its believed luck/supernatural powers! As for the rest of the natural world, it is a sit and wait predator (meaning he waits for prey to come to him) and grips them in those preying hands of his!
Did you know that the mantis is more closely related to termites and cockroaches than the grasshopper as many would think?
(Don't think I had forgotten the proof!)
He did also end up crawling on me! It's a shame I didn't get any of those antics!
However, we did have this intimate moment while I struggled to put him back on his home and out of my dress...
May this little guy bring luck to you today as well! I hope to spread his mighty green powers all over Steemit!
Sending you love,
With much appreciation for @papa-pepper for inspiring me to get so up close and personal with the critters around!
XO,
PS, I'm aboard the steem-blazing ecotrain! Where quality content comes together with making the world a better place! Check out the tag for more! 💚
