Mantis on Tithonia diversifolia

After a rainstorm last week, we found this mantis on the deck railing where the wind & rain were strongest.
How they got there & hung on is a mystery, but we gave her a nice new home on this tithonia bloom in the backyard garden where it's more protected.

The banners are becoming so enriched with not only beautiful photos but garden tales of experiences, including garden friends and foes. Love this banner.

Cal, I'm sure your mantis friend will remember your thoughtfulness by devouring any invasive insects. I like mantises in my gardens and in banners too!

Cool banner Cal!

love it!

I find it so realistic to see the wildlife included in the banners.

Thanks for a cool banner and the neat story.

Thumbs UP for the rescue!

That is a great headshot of the Walking Stick!

Absolutely love this one!!! Mother Nature is amazing and so are you for rescuing such a beneficial creature!!!

Great banner and back story, Cal!

Thank you for the nice comments, acorns & thumbs, my friends.

Sorry for the late reply, but just got back from a desert campout.

Here is the full image.

Cal ~ That is just beautiful!

BTW. last year I couldn't find an image of a baby mantis on a zinnia, but
finally found it, and here it is......better late than never.

Those photos are outstanding! That baby one on the Zinnia just made my day!

Very cool Cal! What a great story and banner. Mantises are wonderful garden companions.

greenappleagnes said:Very cool Cal! What a great story and banner. Mantises are wonderful garden companions.

I hope we all see more of our mantis friends this year, and
share photos.

Is there a mantis thread already? Can't look right now.....stuff to do.
If not, anyone want to start one???

Here is a link to a post by keithp2012 in the Gardening for Butterflies, Birds and Bees forum. Anyone interested may post their photos and experiences there. The thread "Praying Mantis in the garden" in Gardening for Butterflies, Birds and Bees forum

I will add a photo of an encounter in my daylily garden last summer. These are very beneficial insects; and I encourage everyone to promote habitat for them. They are known for cleaning out bad "bugs" in the gardens. Thanks Cal for bringing them to our attention.

Thanks, Leon!
Great pic of the petite mantis on the pretty daylily.

EscondidoCal said:Thanks, Leon!
Great pic of the petite mantis on the pretty daylily.