A Predator of Another Species

Guests know that if they are observant there is a fairly high probability of discovering a hard papier-mâché-like blob approximately an inch across attached to something around here.  They’re found on everything from a hose bib to a ladder on a deer stand.       

It is called an ootheca and it is an egg mass belonging to the praying mantis.  And one of them hatched recently.      

In many cultures a mantid is a symbol of stillness.  And as a consequence it is associated with meditation and calming of the mind.  I associate it with the patience of a predator that keeps my garden free of insect pests.  Analogous to the stealthiest of bow hunters.        

click on the mantid for a closer look

 

In another exercise in retirement situational awareness I found this critter clinging for dear life as I raised the overhead door of the machine shed.         

About 2 cm. in length it easily negotiated the forest of arm hairs before release to the garden.