The MGS Forum
Gardening in mediterranean climates => Wildlife in the garden (birds, butterflies, and how to attract them) => Topic started by: John J on August 13, 2012, 07:46:33 AM
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While on my usual early-morning amble round the garden this morning I came across this, rather one-sided, struggle. The cicada was still alive and zizzing but the mantis had a good grip and there was only going to be one outcome.
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Grizzly stuff, John; X-rated!
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Well spotted John. Re mantids, I just have to post this picture posted on Facebook by my excellent-photographer friend Yiannis Christofides. The photo was taken by Hasan Baglar from N. cyprus [thanks, Oron, for correcting me on that].
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293070_10151086685534464_1680027755_n.jpg)
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Fantastic ballet performance, and a beautiful couple.
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WOW!!! I will have to teach mine to do the same!
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Yes, amazing! You can see more of Hasan Baglar's fantastic photos on his own website here (http://stavrogonno.1x.com/) - and another version of his extraordinary mantis dance was printed by the UK's Daily Mail last September here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039983/Praying-Alive--Mantis-does-impression-John-Travolta-dancefloor.html).
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Going back to your mantis-cicada photo, John...
Here's a cicada still in one piece.
It was resting on the a damaged trunk of a large Jacaranda. Excellent camouflage. I wouldn't have noticed it but for the fact that I saw it flying and was able to spot where it came to rest.
That was the first time I have seen a cicada flying. It surprised me that, for a fair sized insect, it was so quiet in flight.
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Excellent photo, Mike. Quiet in flight in contrast to the noise they make when in full chorus! Whenever I've been away it's a sound that, along with certain colours and scents, tells me I'm back home.