Mantis on Lantana

I was standing in front of a high Lantana Flower, after a few minutes taking a good look into the flower trying to find an insect to photograph almost on my last patience, then I saw this mantis blend so nicely on the leaf of the Lantana.

I think it is a juvenile mantis since it has not yet developed its wings. And the body of the mantis was also still small. As far as I know, the bigger the size of the mantis, the tamer it will be to human presence. Once it adult, sometimes it will show its aggressive stance once you try to approach the praying mantis. But at this stage when I find it, it will always try to find a place to hide, although it was doing it quite slowly, not like the very early stage of their life.

The mantis is head-to-head with the smaller black ants, but I don't think it will take the ant as its prey. A little bit too risky, as the ant usually have a powerful backup if it feel threatened.

I love the contrast of the mantis and thw colorful lantana flower behind it. Really beautiful.

	I am a Balinese man, a father of a toddler son, working in the hospitality industry, who has recently found a passion for macro photography. I want to share the photos that I've taken here on Hive. I appreciate any comments or feedback you leave on my posts and kindly invite you to be part of my journey in this vast Hive Ocean. Thank you very much