Conehead mantis

Attachment 144481

The mantis (Conehead mantis, lat. empusa pennata) is rare and very hard to notice in the nature. I found it just 3-4" below this flower (Prospero autumnale, lat. scilla autumnalis). I touch the mantis few times with my finger to climb on the top of the flower.

5DIII, 100mm L IS, handheld, 1/1250, f/13, ISO800, natural light
PP: removed blade of grass & NR of BG
Full size: 2817 x 4226 pixels
Location: The Island of Pag, Croatia. August 2014.

Thanks for viewing and CC.

Cheers!
Miro

What a fascinating critter, beautifully captured. The subject, background, pose, flower and stem are all excellent. You might crop off about half of the frame below the flower, but this is well done. Thanks for sharing!

I am happy with the framing. The subject has tremendous interest, and you have a wonderful perch and background. Really a wonderful photo. I am glad he/she responded to your encouragement to pose.

Beautiful image - tack sharp! Great pose !
Such an interesting looking mantis with lovely texture.

An amazing creature beautifully photographed, the composition lighting and pose along with background - all outstandingly good, well done.

Hi Miroslav. A very interesting mantis giving you a great pose on a very attractive plant! Very good overall sharpness and a clean background. The comp works as presented, though as an alternative, you might consider a tighter version with some cropped off the bottom and left. This is very nicely done!