Autumn’s Prophet
Here’s a photo of a praying mantis, one of several I’ve come across recently. The term “mantis” apparently is of Greek etymology, meaning “prophet” or “fortune teller”, probably referring to the unique prayer-like stance the insect takes.
I’m sure they’re around all year long, but autumn is when I seem to come across them most, at least in Japan. There are over 2,000 different species, and I’ve seen others throughout Asia.
They’re fascinating creatures, notably for their amazing compound eyes and for the females’ habit of eating the males after mating. You gotta have done something really wrong in a previous life to come back as a male praying mantis.
01 Nov 07 03:53
Tony,
The female will oftentimes eat the male during mating which (1) does not seem to affect his performance and (2) ensures the likelihood of the next generation being successful. While strange, it occurred to me that if you have to go, that might be the way to do it!!
Ron