The One That Got Away

Once a praying mantis gets hold of an insect the prey doesn't have a chance. Today I was surprised to see this mantis struggling with a determined honeybee. Each time it tried to nibble the bee it suddenly held it at arm's length. Then I noticed that it did not have the sting clamped out of the way as a previous mantis did. Shortly the mantis let go and the bee buzzed off out of sight into the bush.

What was the matter with the mantis? One of the powerful front legs was dangling loose as it preened itself. I took a close-up of the leg and found something odd about it. The cyan and magenta patch is a feature that distinguishes the New Zealand mantis, but I think it should be smooth and plain. See the extra shot- should  the apparent "eye" be there? But whether it is or not doesn't it give the folded leg an evil look?

New Zealand praying mantis, Orthodera novaezealandiae, and honeybee, Apis mellifera. Best seen large if you can.

A brilliant day. Not only was sky clear blue and the breeze gentle, but the temperature was 20ºC. It didn't get to 12º yesterday.