Caedes

  Munching Out  

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Uploaded: 09/26/14 3:19 PM GMT
Munching Out
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While at the Calendar Garden yesterday, Pam (the gardener) and I were looking at a cone flower that she had recently planted, and when she spotted this praying mantis. Man did we ever get excited of this find, lots, and lots of shots were taken between the two of us. We actually saw him enjoy two meals, this bee, and a yellow jacket. We think this was a male, we actually spotted another one on a fence at the gardens that had a bigger belly, and was even larger, which would be a female trait. The females make a meal of the male after mating.

I used the canon 40D with the canon 70-300 IS USM lens with the camera set in AV mode.

I have not seen one of these fascinating insects for a few years, and never have I seen one eating, so Pam, and I were both enjoying this super photo opt. He did not seem to care less that we were in his face.

Thank you for commenting.

=^..^=tigs♥

Comments

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::0930_23
09/26/14 3:23 PM GMT
Little does this male know what awaits him, Tigz.
Perhaps it is his "last meal."
What a great shot. I can understand your excitement.

TicK


(Viewed Full Screen)
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People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
.scorpie
09/26/14 3:26 PM GMT
Amazing in full screen. Kudos
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Why not go out on a limb, that is where the fruit is.... Frank Scully
::Dunstickin
09/26/14 3:26 PM GMT
Perfect spur of the moment happening!..what a delightful capture...well done for being there then!
2∈ [?]
"Never stop photographing. It is very likely that your best photograph has not yet been captured"> "You can observe a lot by just watching". - Yogi Berra
.danika
09/26/14 3:33 PM GMT
What a spectacular find, Sandi. I have yet to see a praying mantis in person. Excellent detail & I love your presentation. Very well done.
3∈ [?]
I LOVE LABS!!!
.Jimbobedsel
09/26/14 3:38 PM GMT
Stunning shot....perfection! I have always wanted to capture a praying mantis, but have never seen one when I had a camera in my hands. The fact that it is chowing down on a bee makes it even more special. My compliments, Sandi.
3∈ [?]
I ALWAYS VIEW YOUR IMAGES FULL SIZE.
::Ramad
09/26/14 3:39 PM GMT
Wow! Excellent close-up shot of the praying mantis having its meal! This is a very rare shot Sandi. Congratulations! If it was done hand -held then double congrats!
2∈ [?]
Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
.gizmo1
09/26/14 3:41 PM GMT
Wow I had to look twice I was looking for another butterfly and saying where is it then the praying mantis jump out the screen at me .This is one unique looking capture and the detail in the mantis when enlarging this scene is outstanding along with the beautiful looking colours and great presentation too.
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::corngrowth
09/26/14 3:44 PM GMT
Spectacular and unique shot to me Sandi. S+F instantly of course. Thanks!
The mantis has a strange feeding habit: raw meat with nectar for dinner, lol.

Regards, Cornelius.
3∈ [?]
Try to change what you can't accept, but accept what you can't change. Please CLICK HERE to see my journal! Feel free to save my images or to add them to your favorites.
::trixxie17
09/26/14 4:31 PM GMT
Outstanding capture Sandi - I, like Jim, have seen them but never with camera at hand - eating like this I'm sure is quite rare - National Geographic could use this one!
2∈ [?]
. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
.GIGIBL
09/26/14 5:06 PM GMT
Great close-up well done Sandi
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::biffobear
09/26/14 5:15 PM GMT
Wonderful catch..Well taken..On a side note you Females always make a meal of us weaker sex ;) ....Very nice...R.
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I wish I was a Glow Worm, a Glow Worm's never glum, 'cause how can you be grumpy, when the sun shines out your bum?
.Starglow
09/26/14 8:15 PM GMT
Terrific shot.
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::Constance52347
09/26/14 10:32 PM GMT
What an amazing capture! We've had quite a few mantises turn out this year, must be the change in weather. But they've never posed so beautifully on gorgeous flowers...lol Love this close-up!
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::luckyshot
09/27/14 3:02 AM GMT
Sandi - A great find - I hope it is eating the bee that stung me a few weeks ago! Thad
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If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine The Earth without art is just 'eh'.
.bfrank
09/27/14 5:41 AM GMT
That's amazing Sandi. I understand your excitement. Beautiful close-up and such an interesting find. You really got a sharp image.
2∈ [?]
Life's moments are sweet. I just want to capture all that I can of them.
.stylo
09/28/14 3:44 AM GMT
your unstoppable! what a shot, i havent seen one of these things in quite some time. glad im not married to one..yikes!! i guess it would matter afterwards while your enjoying a last cig.. probably wouldnt feel a thing, unlike divorce! lol
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::garrettparkinson
09/29/14 8:11 PM GMT
I didn't know that they would eat a bee. Very cool.
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.icedancer
10/02/14 3:13 PM GMT
Magnificent close up of this pray mantis, super detail and colour, you sure have the talent to spot some really great photo ops, way to go
0∈ [?]

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