Chinese Mantis Tenodera sinensis, Family Mantidae

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Chinese Mantis (130R) Chinese Mantis (DIN0100)

Now for some Natural History excitement.  These two Chinese Mantises in a blackberry patch were locked in a tug-of-war over an Annual Cicada that the lower female had caught and the upper female was trying to steal.  The standoff lasted for at least half an hour after the photographer came on the scene and ended when the female at the top of the photographs gave up and fled.  At the end, she was in danger of getting her massive front leg nipped by the rightful owner of the cicada. Of course, the cicada lost either way.

Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 1 (DIN0029) Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 2 (DIN0030) Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War #3 (DIN0031) Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 4 (DIN0032) Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 5 (DIN0033)

Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 6 (DIN0034) Chinese Mantis Tug-of-War # 7 (DIN0035)

Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Waterfowl Photography and Bird Photography from Marsh, River, Field and Forest Habitats. All images Copyright © 1999 - by Gerry Gantt, all rights reserved.