There was a mantis on one of our dahlia blossoms yesterday. Fortunately, it stayed there long enough for a very nice photo session. 
Unfortunately, it was one of the South African invasives (Miomantis caffra), which—although not officially considered a pest species here—are thought to be displacing the 
native species (Orthodaera novaezealandiae) because the exotic females appear to be more attractive to the native males than their own native females. 
(The native mantises have obvious oval blue spots on the lateral sides of their forelegs.) I still find them to be among the most fascinating insects.
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krikitarts 
OMG, it actually let me like your post for the first time in forever!!! How are you my friend? These pictures are stunning!!
Hi, WordPress actually let me like Gary’s post too. I’ve had terrible WordPress probs since before Christmas :)
Hi Vicky, hope your problems are mostly over now, and good to hear from you again!
Me too, and it’s so random. Some blogs I can react to but most I still can’t :(.
Hey, Cindy, I’m doing just fine, thanks! How are you doing? It seems that I haven’t had the time to post in so long, but I hope to be making more time for it soon. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
I pray we won’t have to wait so long for another photo like this terrific mantis. Surely there are other subjects you can prey upon!
I plan to be working on that as our summer progresses, and I have high hopes for more in the near future!
Fantastic macros with amazing clarity and focus!
Thanks again, Peter, a calm day and a patient subject are such a treat!
Wonderful photos!
It’s good to have some new ones to share!
I guess it’s not exactly a wanted guest, but what great images!
I’m honored that you have found time to send your kind comments with all that’s going on for you, Suzanne–thanks so much!
Trying to do better about checking in. 😀
Nicely done, Gary. I stared onto those eyes for a little while but pretty sure I’ll be staying with Mary Beth. :-)
Ah, yes, Steve, the eyes–endlessly fascinating. I don’t think there’s any other insect in which the facets seem to work the same way, so that no matter the angle from which one looks at them, there seems to be a “pupil” that’s looking directly back at you. Definitely arresting, and more than a little unsettling. But somehow you can’t help but stare back…
That last shot is particularly sharp and well-focused, Gary. I love the Mantis too. Hope to see some more photos from you soon.
Hope you and the family are well and enjoying your new life spread over 2 countries. Must be a treat to get the best out of every season. Best Wishes, Vicki
Yup, we’re very happy with the way things are working out. It’s (moderately) melancholy to read about the cold and the snow back in the northern US, but I must admit that the summer here is rather a joy by comparison!
Beautiful images, my friend. :)
Happy to be able to bring them to you. It’s not good to be too busy to blog!
Fascinating indeed! Wonderful captures, Gary!
There’s something that seems very alien about them, especially their triangular heads and the apparent expression of intense interest in their faces. Makes one wonder what’s really going on in there…
Cute as anything and very well captured.
Thanks for that–I consider them cute when they are less than an inch long, but then again, they don’t really change that much if form as they grow. I think it might be a stretch for some to use the term for a full-grown adult.
As soon as I saw the first picture I wondered whether the mantis is native, given that so many species in NZ aren’t. Your caption below that picture quickly answered my question.
I really wish I would see more of the natives. Different sources seem to vary on the effect of the South African variety on the native species, but one that I consulted for this post suggested that they are not [yet?] considered a pest species, others disagree. I am still concerned and hope to encounter more of the natives. I’ll keep looking!
We can Hardy wait for the return of the natives.
Pingback: Menagerie Monday: Bush Crickets | krikitarts
Mantises are so amazing – I haven’t seen one for years (probably because I moved mostly but possibly also because there are fewer than there were). How sad that the invasive females are favored by the native males – crazy! Wonderful photos!
I seem to be seeing steadily fewer mantises as the years roll on. I haven’t read that they are in any real danger, but it is certainly a matter of concern that the local guys seem to be smitten by the exotic girls. I also wonder if the latter also show a penchant for cannibalism (for which some mantises are reputed) after they have lured the former into the metaphorical boudoir–which would definitely not help their prospects for…dare I say it?…holding their own.