Beware of Doing it in the Dark!

Beware of Doing it in the Dark!
Originally uploaded by williamsnursery

Well after I blogged the Praying Mantis yesterday it was brought to my
attention that I missed some important although distressing
information regarding the habits of the Praying Mantis.

I must say that after hearing this little tidbit of knowledge, I'm not
as fond of the little buggers as I was yesterday. Thank goodness that
the courtship rituals of Praying Mantis are not observed by the human
species. Sexual cannibalism is common among mantises. Generally the
female has been known to literally bite the head off of the male once
mating has begun. I mean I've had my head bitten off, but not
literally. Ouch! But good news to the male mantises is that if they
can avoid having their head removed they will be able to mate with
other females.

If you would like a few more details visit the entry in Wikipedia.

All I can say is guys beware the Mantis position!

Watch Out Little Bugs

Watch Out Little Bugs
Originally uploaded by williamsnursery

As I was walking up to my office I saw this guy hanging out on the
Dutchman's Pipe vine growing up my staircase.

August is prime time for Praying Mantis. As a kid I was always told
that it was illegal to kill a praying mantis, but this is not true.
There are no laws on the books to protect them. That doesn't mean that
you should go and squash one the next time you see one. Praying Mantis
help keep pests under control in the garden.

As I child I was always fascinated by the Mantis. They looked
prehistoric to me. Actually I still like to see them now. Take a
moment and look around your garden. I bet one is lurking there waiting
for its next meal.