Went on a hike the other day and found this little fella! Judging by the shape of the head and size, this is a Chinese Praying Mantis. While it is non native to America, while it’s not listed as invasive it’s considered invasive.
People keep them as pets, but some people use them for pest control in gardens and bigger agricultural things, buying eggs and letting them go.
While their diet involves a wide variety of bugs, they’ve been seen eating reptiles, amphibians, and even hummingbirds though it is rare enough to not have an impact on those species.
for the ones of you who don’t know me, my name is Marco. Not long ago I was booted off state health insurance because I make “too much” to have free health insurance. I still have an insurance plan under my father’s name because I am 23, but diabetes supplies and insulin are still impossible for me to afford while paying all of my bills and taking care of my pets. I have recently paid for insulin for myself but I am running out of supplies and my 24 hour tresiba insulin. I have type 1 diabetes and will not be able to survive without my supplies or my medication. With any help and support I will buy my diabetic supplies as needed and try to collect together enough support to advocate for my supplies to be at a lower cost. I make minimum wage and I cannot afford this on my own. Any kind of support is welcome and if you cannot donate please share this. Thank you.
Marina’s babies are here!!! they must’ve hatched just hours ago
I won’t count them yet since I don’t want to bother the little family, but there’s a lot, with babies hanging onto her back and her belly. so happy for her
(Phrynus whitei)
one of Marina’s babies has begun its first molt, peeling itself out of its old skin still clinging to mama. the rest will follow suit in the next day or so, and soon all will be ready to leave her and begin their solitary lives
