Deadly hunter in my garden

The jungle forests have their deadly hunters but my little garden here in Arizona also has a deadly hunter that uses its camouflage and stealth to stalk its prey.

The Arizona Praying Mantis (Stagmomantis limbata) that I have found prowling my garden is usually a beautiful green creature (which blends in wonderfully with the green foliage)

although it stands out when not hidden among the greenery

I spotted this brown specimen the other day perched among the leaves of my tomato plants. A pretty sight but not exactly hidden.

I watched it for a few minutes as it slowly moved around but then went off to check on other things. When I came back the mantis had snared an unlucky grasshopper with its spiked front legs in a now inescapable grip of death.

Not the most enjoyable way to go for that grasshopper but that's one less pest to feed on my vegetables. Hopefully the mantis stays around to continue th e cycle of life next season.
Enjoy