Amazon - Praying Mantis (Bushy Abdomen)

crotermund · Post by **crotermund** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:20 am

This mantid was really tiny. I don't know if the bushy abdomen is related to his maturity or species. Perhaps one of you experts might be able to share something (Macroluv?). I am posting 2 similar pics that had the lighting bounce off the log differently. Any feedback regarding one picture versus the other is appreciated.

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:06 pm

Really strange.

I didn't see any feature like this on any mantis ever. But everything is possible in Amazona.

Something caught or even growing on her abdomen is another possibility to consider.

Nicely captured. Can you estimate her size?

Besides, there are many species especially among the insects waiting for discovery.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:12 pm

A fantastic creature and a wonderful capture. I have to say in #2 the webs are distracting somewhat but both have good contrast with the different lighting...both are OK IMO.

crotermund · Post by **crotermund** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:52 pm

Thanks guys. I am going from memory, of course, but I believe she was approximately 1 - 1 1/2 inches long. I don't know what purpose this hairy "feature" might serve either. I have done some searching and can't seem to find another one.

Mike B in OKlahoma · Post by **Mike B in OKlahoma** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:21 pm

Very nice....I find the first one more pleasing. Maybe because the color balance seems warmer, but not positive about that.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:51 pm

One image warm the other cold. I like the second because of the greater detail, I think anyway, shown in the mantis. The bushy rear end is a curiosity as to what it may be used for. A very wild guess would probably be something to do with egg laying? Who knows, a good thing to Google out of curiosity. Great pics both, however, I just like the second much more.