OF COURSE THEY ARE SENTIENT BEINGS: Praying Mantis on My Hand
OF COURSE THEY ARE SENTIENT BEINGS: This is my new favorite insect photo that I have taken this year. This California mantid (Stagmomantis californica) took a brief exception when I lifted him off the shrub, but then studied me closely. He wound up jumping on my camera. The San Bushmen of South Africa – one of the most ancient cultures on the planet – believe the mantid’s fortitude helped birth the human species.
Taken in the marvelous Central Park Community Garden in Davis, CA, I came upon this curious fellow while he was waiting in line to mate (no, really, he was). The indelible Heather Caswell introduced me to Nik and Emily, who is the steward of that fine civic ecosystem and gave me a tour of the garden (Emily is also a lead botanist at the Davis Oak Arboretum). Emily led me to this fella. Zoom in on the face. What do we have to learn from such ancient wisdom? What do the Bushmen know that we don’t? Anyone care to chime in???
Here are some of the replies from social media sites (from ladies only):
Wall Photos
Like · · Share · 12 hours ago
Liz Mac, Shondolyn Gibson, Daniella Martin and 4 others like this.
Gail Koffman he’s actually an intelligent alien being disguised as an insect.
12 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Akasha SilverHawk hey! i had one of these guys just last week for several days at my front door, except the one i saw was tan in color!! hmmm…. … actually emmet i was going to ask you what there medicine was 
11 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Renee Gatt yum yum yum yum yum!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxx
9 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Shondolyn Gibson i love these guys!
8 hours ago · Like
Tara Shorey I enJOYed your cd the talk and music were great, Thank you for sharing your work. SomeONE has to be extra loving these creatures up, and putting them in the limelight. Bringing awareness that bugs are actually cool. <<>>>>
7 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Liz Mac With a photo Like that what’s not to love… It’s Emmet’s brotha from anotha mutha!
4 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Erika Ismerio Soooooo cute!! May I marry the Mr. CA mantis
4 hours ago · Like
Emmet Brady Thanks Ladies. I am delighted to receive your responses, and that you share the same intrigue with the microcosmic community. BTW – my theory is that insects were the first nature show, and that women were the first insect scientists. Please note that EVERY 1 who replied to this post et le femme.
a few seconds ago · Like
