Very cute and curious creatures!
I’ve seen their mama eating some nasty bugs, they are our friends for sure.
Enjoy the photos.







     

Praying Mantis!
The presence in your garden indicates a healthy environment. For the last 3 years we have had the pleasure seeing them in our backyard too.
Good catch Igor ;)

Nice photo   :)

Spotted an egg case in the azalea recently and glad to see it.

Awesome - love those insects! Even if they eat my honey bees...

Arne

Be careful with that guy, Greenfig!!!  I can tell by his movement and posture that he's about to lay down some serious Kung Fu on you!  His Praying Mantis style is flawless!!!
Jim

Yeap! He started swinging side to side preparing his kicks as I wanted to touch the guy. But later he changed his mind after considering his size and the fact that he was sitting on my hand. Although the size didn't matter to him at that point. )

I'm glad you have them but seeing it on your skin has given me a bad case of the heebie jeebies.

Very cool, a baby praying mantis! I have a lot in my yard. I spotted 3 or 4 of their egg pods around. They really keep the destructive insects at bay.

I have never seen their egg pods. How do they look and where to search for them?

The egg pods are papery, like wasp nests, about the size of a fingernail.
These critters seem to love Arborvitae.
Great photos.
That little guy looks like a Badass.