Praying Mantis Update

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • August 9, 2021

So, you may remember my blog post from a few weeks back when I noted how I inadvertently had praying mantis babies that hatched in my house. 


Well, a week or so ago, as I was cleaning and vacuuming my house as is my Saturday task, I saw something crawling across the living room carpet. Where I live on island, we tend to have a lot of “sowbugs” and as quick, not-wearing-my-glasses look and I thought that was what I was seeing. A pause and a closer look revealed a praying mantis juvenile somewhat blended in with my oriental rug. It was about three times the size of when it hatched and a bit greener. So, I guess we did not get them all outside like I thought we did! Nevertheless, I scooped it up and placed it outside.


I am happy to note that I have seen a few in my yard that have either hatched from the egg I had inside or the other five I had, smartly, placed outside. So much for giving my son the experience of watching the praying mantis hatch! He’ll remember the experience mainly because of running about trying to catch them all and get them outside in order to get to camp in time!


JNLF

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