MATING SEASON

On Monday, I posted a mono of a large female Praying Mantis, on my Purple Sage. Since then, I have been checking on her. Today I saw a much smaller male
climbed over & mount the larger female.
There was no struggle; in fact, she continued to eat a small winged insect.

Now, many hours later, they have retreated to the shade, but are still attached.
My research says the female will eat the male, which will give her a rich source of protein for egg production.

They typically mate during the warmer months & our heat wave qualifies.
I hope she lays many eggs & a bunch
of their offspring make my front garden their home.