David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
__________________________________________________________ Mantids 3 – Dwarf Mantids
DWARF MANTIS Ameles
sp.
DWARF MANTIS Ameles
sp. DWARF MANTIS Ameles
sp.
DWARF MANTIS Ameles sp.
DWARF MANTIS Ameles sp.
- These
unobtrusive little Dwarf Mantids Ameles sp.
(?decolor)
rely on their cryptic coloration for protection and it may be seen from
these images (taken in an Italian Olive grove) that this ploy is very
successful. They live at ground level and in common with other mantids they hunt by stealth. If disturbed they will
run away and they proved to be difficult to follow as the soil was baked
hard, had sharp edges and was very unforgiving to human knees! The
photographer's solution was to wear heavy duty sticking plasters designed
for knee protection when rock-climbing. There are other similar species
and examination of the head shape is important when identifying these
small mantids.
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