A very special find - Empusa pennata

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(Edited)

Twice in my life I saw Praying Mantis in their natural environment (not on photos). First time I didn't have my camera with me, so I just looked at her for a while and then left her in peace.

The second time I was prepared as it was one of those photo trips where I go with a purpose of finding all the bugs I can. But I have never even imagined I would find one of those.
All alone.. among grasses.

Empusa pennata


Praying mantis Empusa pennata 6.jpg

They are also knows as conehead mantis and it is one that can be found natively in Europe (mainly Portugal, Spain, Italy and France) and north parts of Africa. It likes warm conditions and as I recall I did find her in more open spot among trees where the sun was shining longer. With bushes around she had where to hide in case of danger.

This mantis can grow up to 10 cm in length. One of the characteristic feature of this insect would those large horns, that can be more feathery in male individuals. Doesn't she look like Angelina Jolie in "Maleficent" :P

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 5.jpg

I didn't manage to get more closeup photos as I didn't want to scare her. I was so surprised to see one in the wild, I was super careful. And she was also watchin my every move turning her head and changing position on the sticks. Beautiful creature!
Next time I will try to pick one up.

Is it me or that fatty fly there is challenging the queen?

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 4.jpg

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 2.jpg

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 7.jpg

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Like an evil monster crawling up from the mist...
:)

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 3.jpg

Praying mantis Empusa pennata 1.jpg

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Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.


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25 comments
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pixresteemer_incognito_angel_mini.png
Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 42 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
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What a beauty! These pictures are great. The normal Mantis is supposed to spread over Germany these days and I hope to find one in my backyard next summer..

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That would be so cool! I wish I could see them more often. Cool buggers :)

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how are you dear friend @ewkaw good night
You are admirable, you always find a way to surprise us, beautiful collection of photographs. To be honest, I never saw this issue in my life, I really appreciate that you let us know
I take this opportunity to wish you a splendid night

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I don't see them often myself. Was so happy to find one :)
Have a great evening!

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Doesn't she look like Angeline Jolie in "Maleficent" :P

She does!! 😜
Seriously, so cute creature looking from your photos. Mantis palo would be in Spanish, they look like a stick, but definitely, Angelina Jolie kind of stick 🤣

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Hahaha missing he lips :D

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There is photoshop... we can draw it there :p

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Wow! Awesome find and great shots. I've seen a lot of plain walking sticks, but never one of those!

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Thank you! I hope to find more, now that I know they do live around here.

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Where is the Mantis. I im seeing Angelina Jolie alone 😂😂
Very nice photographs and surprising too. It took me a while to find the exact shape of it 👌👌

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Hahaha hiding behind Angelina 😂

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It must be in the realm of the magical forest where Maleficent lives!😁 What a very special find.

I will challenge you with a mine that looks both of them come from the Maleficent forest.😜😁 Coming soon!

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I like that forest!
Please tag me or leave me a comment when you post it. Don't wanna miss it :)

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wow ..... very good and amazing shot, so this praying mantis looks very attractive and very beautiful ...

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Lol, I imagine you looking for the mantis :). Perfect find!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Hahaha yeaaa that's pretty accurate :D

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Great pictures :)). I think she is eating her male in the second and third picture?

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Thanks!
Nop, there is only one mantis there :)

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