David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

___________________________ Mantids 3

                                     MANTIS Ameles decolor

        MANTIS Ameles decolor                     MANTIS Ameles decolor

                                     MANTIS Ameles decolor

                                     MANTIS Ameles decolor

• These unobtrusive little mantids rely on their cryptic coloration for protection and it may be seen from these images (taken in an Italian Olive grove) that this ploy is very successful. They live at ground level and in common with other mantids they hunt by stealth. If disturbed they will run away and they proved to be difficult to follow as the soil was baked hard, had sharp edges and was very unforgiving to human knees! The photographer's solution was to wear heavy duty sticking plasters designed for knee protection when rock-climbing. There are other similar species and examination of the head shape is important when identifying these small mantids.

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© David Element.