Extreme Fighting in the Garden
I first noticed something odd about the coreopsis by the shed – part of it seemed to be shaking steadily and violently. When I came out to see what was going on I witnesses a case of “extreme fighting” that had me running for the camera – unfortunately I only caught the aftermath on film…
A 5″ praying mantis had a bumble bee firmly grasped in one of its front legs and was rhythmically bashing it against the shed. The bee was struggling to get loose but every now and then the praying mantis seemed to take a bite out of it. I’ve never seen anything like it and, although it was a little disturbing to watch, it was fascinating. The praying mantis clearly had a plan of attack and was using the shed’s siding as a weapon to kill the bee. Who said insects don’t think?
By the time I got my camera, the bee was gone. I don’t know if it escaped or was eaten, but the praying mantis was grooming its forelegs and mandibles in a motion that can only be described as “licking his chops”…
