Praying Mantis Youngster (Less than 1 Inch) at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus NJ (Meadowlands)
The vast number of birds, both migratory and resident, allows anyone who enjoys the wonders of these winged friends a great experience whenever visiting Mill Creek Marsh, a quiet, almost hidden, sanctuary of wildlife. The variety of bird and plant species is incredible, so if one is appreciative of such, then learning something new is the norm. In addition, there are some furry, adorable critters and several kinds of turtle, including quite large snappers. Seasonal changes always keep things fresh and interesting . . .
While returning to the main path near the northern end of the park, coming from a short extension that leads to a platform overlook, came so close to stepping on this very young Praying Mantis—perhaps about an inch in length. At first, as this tiny light green insect hopped and landed right in the spot of my next step, I had seen it just in time, and stepped back a little. My first thought was that it had to be a very small grasshopper. So, I called out to my wife ahead of me, and said, “Check this out . . . a very tiny grasshopper!” Then, within a split second, I realized what stood before me—before my foot, actually. It was a pretty young Praying Mantis. It looked up at me, then noticed Elaine approaching. I placed my sunglasses on the ground for size reference, then allowed it to walk up the arm. The little bugger seemed quite content as it groomed itself every few seconds. It would then explore the arm and hair follicles. I had my wife put out her arm, and the green creature instantly went to her. There it continued to preen at every opportunity, and again, would proceed to scope out her arm. After taking a few shots and very gently petting it, now and then, which it somehow seemed to enjoy, we tried to lower the arm by a tree in which the egg casings are often seen. Trying a variety of new destinations for it to board, each attempt would result in an almost refusal like reaction . . . as if it wanted to remain on our being. Eventually, I had to pry it off of her arm in a gingerly manner, before it would finally step onto a vegetated area, only to disappear within seconds, right in front of us. After some careful search between the two of us, we would spot it. With every trial in securing a photo in it natural element, once the camera was lifted toward my eye seeking the view finder, it would be gone. So, we had no luck with the return to home photo(s) . . .Until, out of the blue—or green, in this case—we got a glimpse as we preceded to depart. Luckily, the setting on the camera was almost right for the conditions, but no time was wasted in trying to make any final adjustments. Given that you are seeing a closer version in the comfort of your home, it does not appear to be nearly impossible to see, but in the real world scale, believe me, it is really tough to pin point where it might sit. To make matters worse, they often like to hang on the underside of leaves.
Praying Mantis Youngster (Less than 1 Inch) at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus NJ (Meadowlands)
The vast number of birds, both migratory and resident, allows anyone who enjoys the wonders of these winged friends a great experience whenever visiting Mill Creek Marsh, a quiet, almost hidden, sanctuary of wildlife. The variety of bird and plant species is incredible, so if one is appreciative of such, then learning something new is the norm. In addition, there are some furry, adorable critters and several kinds of turtle, including quite large snappers. Seasonal changes always keep things fresh and interesting . . .
While returning to the main path near the northern end of the park, coming from a short extension that leads to a platform overlook, came so close to stepping on this very young Praying Mantis—perhaps about an inch in length. At first, as this tiny light green insect hopped and landed right in the spot of my next step, I had seen it just in time, and stepped back a little. My first thought was that it had to be a very small grasshopper. So, I called out to my wife ahead of me, and said, “Check this out . . . a very tiny grasshopper!” Then, within a split second, I realized what stood before me—before my foot, actually. It was a pretty young Praying Mantis. It looked up at me, then noticed Elaine approaching. I placed my sunglasses on the ground for size reference, then allowed it to walk up the arm. The little bugger seemed quite content as it groomed itself every few seconds. It would then explore the arm and hair follicles. I had my wife put out her arm, and the green creature instantly went to her. There it continued to preen at every opportunity, and again, would proceed to scope out her arm. After taking a few shots and very gently petting it, now and then, which it somehow seemed to enjoy, we tried to lower the arm by a tree in which the egg casings are often seen. Trying a variety of new destinations for it to board, each attempt would result in an almost refusal like reaction . . . as if it wanted to remain on our being. Eventually, I had to pry it off of her arm in a gingerly manner, before it would finally step onto a vegetated area, only to disappear within seconds, right in front of us. After some careful search between the two of us, we would spot it. With every trial in securing a photo in it natural element, once the camera was lifted toward my eye seeking the view finder, it would be gone. So, we had no luck with the return to home photo(s) . . .Until, out of the blue—or green, in this case—we got a glimpse as we preceded to depart. Luckily, the setting on the camera was almost right for the conditions, but no time was wasted in trying to make any final adjustments. Given that you are seeing a closer version in the comfort of your home, it does not appear to be nearly impossible to see, but in the real world scale, believe me, it is really tough to pin point where it might sit. To make matters worse, they often like to hang on the underside of leaves.