Messy Diner

A praying mantis nymph consuming a moth. The poor moth was first dismembered. At about 16mm this is one of the more successful nymphs. Not only has it grown to about three times its original size, but it is much more difficult to spot. Most of the nymphs I’m seeing are closer to 10mm and still have a dark stripe down their backs. They need to eat more.

This was a proper summer’s day, with a thin cloud layer that kept the temperature from soaring. I had an appointment in Christchurch and made a day of it. I came home exhausted.