I was wondering when I would see my first praying mantis of the season. I kept checking my buddleias, where they normally hang out, to no avail. Then I found this youngster, upside down on the side mirror of my car. (Please excuse iPod photo)
I was leaving for work and I didn’t want it to blow off onto the highway, so kind person (read: sucker) that I am, I picked it up gently, intending to set it down in the grass.
It swiveled its head around to look at me and sank its mandibles into my hand.
You’re welcome.
Digging RI 
I love these critters. They are beautiful. The sinking of the mandibles into the hand is not nice, but I bet he/she was feeling a little frightened!
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I know. The poor thing thought I was picking it up in order to eat it or hurt it in some way. I just wasn’t expecting that bite. And it hurt, by the way.
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“They say…” that they are always in pairs. If you see one, the mate is nearby. Don’t know if it’s true or not, but it’s a nice thought. I love seeing them, but rarely do. Thanks for sharing the pic.
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This one looked like it was very young. Maybe too young for a mate?
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