Praying mantises are my favourite insect but, before today, I’d never held one before. Before coming to California, I’d never even seen one outside of books and the internet. A day or so ago, I’d seen one on a tree, but it ran off when Teddi tried to herd it down so I could see it closer.
Today, though, there was one on the screen door by the kitchen and it was the most chill insect I’ve ever seen.
Teddi and I both were about to eat but, when we saw the mantis, we dropped everything for an impromptu photoshoot. After Teddi brought it down from the door so we could get a better look.
And I got to hold it.
Teddi took those pictures. I was too happy to think of taking any pictures of a praying mantis ACTUALLY ON MY HAND, and this was better, anyways, because she got my face :D
I’m so used to insects that freak out or try to climb up all the everywheres to get away from this strange not-plant they’ve found themselves on. Ladybugs, which are pretty chill with people, still have nothing on a praying mantis. Ladybugs, after all, are not an apex predator.
On an entirely unrelated note: I also had chicken and waffles for the first time today at a restaurant. Well, chicken and waffle. A huge waffle. Much as I know that US restaurant portion sizes are larger than in Canada, I keep forgetting exactly how much larger.
As to the taste: savoury and sweet. Like the US version of fish chips and custard :D I’d have it again.
