We’ve had several GIGANTIC praying mantises (manti?) visit our classroom the past couple of days. No kidding, these things are over four inches long. I had a boy bring one yesterday and not five minutes after he took it home, a dad brought in an even bigger one that was trying to break into his truck. We watched the larger one today, and after everybody went home for the day, I set it free on the playground. I took pictures of him from behind a nearly-closed door, fearing for my safety.
That’s a two-gallon fish tank. He’s enormous!!!
Before you ask, I had a quarter for scale, but he put it in his pocket.
Deanne says
Funny girl! How did you ever find that??
He is large and scary-looking. What did the kiddos think of him?
Karla says
I had one crawl up my window at work one day last week. It was a baby mantis compared to that guy, but it still scared me as bad as when the window washer magically appears.
Peggy says
Holy Moly!! You could put a leash on that guy & walk him.
I think you should have kept him as the class pet. Love the way he’s posing for his portrait in the first pic. He must have the brain of a dog…or at least a cat.
(and HAHA! That clip is hilarious!)
Beth says
Are you picking a dog/cat fight there Miss Peggy? Because this site if full of cat people, you know. You’re seriously outnumbered. 😉
Peggy says
Muahhhhhhh!!!!
Brad says
Mantids are your friends. They eat unfriendly bugs in your garden. And unfriendly salespeople who come to your door. Release one near your front porch if you can.
Beth says
Will they eat Mormons? And Kirby sales people? Or are they discriminating?
Peggy says
Ha! I thought the same exact thing about the Mormons …
Annette says
Looks like a stick bug to me.
kiwe says
It’s a plague, it’s a plague! The apocalypse is coming! The stick bugs are after us.
Deborah says
I think that means your first snow will be on October 4th. Get your cement blocks and candles ready.
Deanne says
I’m surprised that nobody else has commented on her easter egg…
Peggy says
I did!
Lauren says
Back in the 90’s, the Kolliparas and the Sommerers had a serious Space Ghost Coast to Coast addiction. I cracked up at school when I told the kids we should call the mantis Zorak.
Rachel says
Dip him in chocolate.
Karla says
Wouldn’t that be a waste of good chocolate?