Last Mantid Standing
(Click to Enlarge)
I was surprised to see this female mantis on our front porch today. (The large size and blue “lip” indicate it’s a Bordered mantis, Stagmomantis limbata.) They’re one-season insects, so she’s pretty elderly at this point. I put her in the garden so she wouldn’t be so conspicuous to hunting birds. Usually these insects are either green or brown, but they can change color when they molt, and sometimes add yellow or pink or even orange-y hues. I think this old gal has great fashion sense — the cream and pink colors give off a real 1950s vibe, especially when set off by her turquoise-blue lipstick. Very mid-century.
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