Third Instar

This is the most advanced praying mantis nymph I am aware of this season. She seems to be doing well for herself. The litter on her leaf shows she has eaten today. In contrast, the little one in the greenhouse that I tried feeding with greenfly three weeks ago only reached the second instar a couple of days ago.

Today was warm, 10 degreesC above the predicted temperature. The air was hazy with smoke and dust from the fires across the Tasman.