Yesterday at work I noticed a young mantis hiding amongst the branches of a goji bush (lycium barbarum) I brought to the shop earlier this summer. the bush was a cutting from one of the many I have growing at home, and most likely that’s were the mantis came from as well!

I found an ootheca hatching in my garden earlier this summer and have been finding nymphs all over the place. This one is on the smaller side compared to some of the others I’ve seen, but no less magnificent.

Mantids have always been one of my favorite insects for their terrifying grace and beauty. As a kid they reminded me of dragons. I still see this resemblance.