Merv's mate

Some time ago I planted some basil. Sadly, they've been virtually reduced to stems by caterpillars which I have been systematically removing from :( Merv's mate here seems to be doing a good job in helping me to keep more critters off the plants too :)

And if you're wondering why Merv's mate ?? For some reason which I no longer remember I have called all mantises Merv - as in Merv the Mantis. This one however is brown so clearly is not a Merv (Mervs have always been green). I can only assume that s/he must therefore be a mate of Merv's.

Despite appearances, mantises appear to be a friendly lot.

Over and out.