Hummer caught by Mantis

Hummer caught by Mantis

This is a once in a lifetime photo! Most consider it a myth that a Preying Mantis could capture and kill a hummingbird. I watched the bird as it was dying, no hope to survive as it's throat was ripped open enough to stick your finger inside.

Myth Busted!

Created by: Rlephoto.

Tools Used: Canon 1n, 180mm macro lens, 550 EX flash

Created on: 2001

Image Views: 2,953

Average Views per Day: 2.4

Image Number: 10173

Comments:

Abba from Southern California USA on Mar 10, 2008 at 8:21 PM said:

YUCK!!

Anne from USA on Feb 29, 2008 at 3:37 PM said:

A praying mantis came to my window once and stayed for two days. If I had seen this picture first, I would have destroyed it. *g* Fair play but I think one is not allowed to kill praying mantis? Maybe that was just when I was young. Anyway - you have a picture that will linger on in people's memories. *g* Science Fiction would be a great market place!! Great picture.

Gampr from Missouri on Dec 19, 2007 at 2:35 AM said:

Incredible shot. I have seen them rip the heads off grasshoppers, but really had never thought about them catching and killing hummingbirds.

Anne from Anjou, France on Sep 7, 2007 at 5:45 AM said:

Wow, what a shock! Better call it "preying" mantis! Now, did it eat it whole... and how?

May from Bayou George, FL on May 27, 2007 at 7:56 PM said:

Randy - what a shot. I feel so bad for the little hummer, though.

I've seen lynx spiders catch big male carpenter and bumblebees, but never thought a mantis could catch anything like a hummingbird.

Tania (TMR8) from Taranaki New Zealand on May 23, 2007 at 5:41 PM said:

I am amaised as the others. What an unusual capture. Great Photo

Janice Romano from FL on May 1, 2007 at 2:39 PM said:

As a hummingbird lover, I think this shot is horrible, but, as a nature lover, I think it is fabulous. I bet it made your day, to get the chance to get this shot. I appreciate your sharing this.

Talsi from Western NOrth Carolina USA on Aug 21, 2006 at 10:47 AM said:

Amazing - I never realized that a preying mantis could kill a hummingbird. Good capture of a disturbing picture.

Anne from West Virginia on Jul 21, 2006 at 2:26 PM said:

I hope the Mantis had a terrible stomach ache!!!

Shailesh from India on Jul 7, 2006 at 3:28 AM said:

Great Shot indeed !!!!

Was shocked to know that Mantis Hunts !!!

Keep up the great Work

Lozzie from Wales on Feb 6, 2006 at 3:58 AM said:

Wow! Brilliant shot. I never thought a praying mantis could eat a hummingbird. It looks like that mantis is going to have a very big meal.

Str from CO USA on Jan 15, 2006 at 2:41 PM said:

That's cool.Too bad for the hummer,but cool.

Bubbalinn / Alan from Arizona on Sep 9, 2005 at 7:31 PM said:

This is a Fantastic photo. Great capture and quality. Thanks for the lesson in nature. I had no idea a Mantis could do that. A Big WOW from me also....

km from TX on Aug 2, 2005 at 11:50 PM said:

I thought I had commented on this...My first reaction was shock and then admiration for your technical skill and sharp eyes. Wow!!

Whittler from Maine on Jun 28, 2005 at 2:50 PM said:

WOW!! thats an awesome shot.

Vicki (TravlynWomyn) from Ohio, this weekend on Apr 7, 2005 at 8:37 PM said:

That is a once-in-a-lifetime shot Randy. As usual it's up t your incredibly beautiful, professional standards while teaching us another side of the "smaller" side of life.

sparkle1103 from Illinois on Apr 7, 2005 at 4:10 PM said:

didnt know that prayin manthis could kill anything. Wow now I know. I had one on my door a coupla years ago.

Michael E from KY on Apr 7, 2005 at 3:48 PM said:

NEAT!! Great Capture

Austin from Georgia on Apr 7, 2005 at 2:41 PM said:

Wow!

I knew they were vicious but had no idea.

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