Praying mantis
 

This is my first attempt at posting a video clip. Enjoy. Bob

Cool footage, could you explain what camcorder you where using?

It took some time before the mantis where aware of you!

Per, I use the Canon XL-1s w/stock 16x and 1.6 teleconverter. I have been watching your videos and this is the first time I decided to try and post one myself. Bob

Yes, your footage was nice to view. It was steady, you did use a tripod?
Can you tell how far away from the mantis you was shooting?

I wish that you had one clip showing the whole mantis on the leafeage before the closeup!

Love it, Bob! I've got some Cicada video that I should post. I really love that clip at the end when the mantis seems to suddenly realize he's on camera in the middle of his grooming. BTW, great lighting on the subject too.

-gb-

Hey guys thanks, I just posted another one. Bob

Per, I will check the rest of the video. Bob

Great job, Bob! Did you light the scene your self? or is that natural light?
Thanks in advance!

Gabriel.

Gabriel, Natural light. It was in the afternoon. Check out my otherone. Bob

The mantis was grooming her carving tools, just like a cat. That quick look was her saying, "I'm finished, so just stick your finger in here and see what happens to it!".

Praying Mantis Picture
 

I found this shot I took a few years ago, at about this time of year. This mantis appeared next to my back door and was very large (about 8cm long).
It was in its late Summer brown mode. It was much larger than those I saw in the large bunch I described on a grassy hillside. Just look at those carving knives-----it would be another bug's worst nightmare to encounter this
femme fatale.

That's not your first video on the Forum, Bob!

What about "Mantis laying egg pod" in august? I know what you're up to ... you've got a mantis ranch and you're trying to create a mantis market ... anyway, what a man; and what a mantis!

Are you still there Bob? I got a bit scared myself ... she wasn't just saying Hi!

Brendan, It was my first, the egg one was posted a couple of hours later. I got to tell you, I have videoed and photographed wildlife all over the place, from Africa to Patagonia, and you know what, I still get a thrill from this one, and it was shot in my backyard in downtown Atlanta, GA. Wildlife is where you find it, its all around us, just take the time to look. Bob