Three's a Crowd.... or is it?

It's no secret that I enjoy a good round of bug porn just as much as the next photographer.  So, when I was out wandering this afternoon and spotted what appeared to be a mated pair of praying mantids, I was thrilled.  After I took the first few shots, though, I started getting a creepy feeling ... like something wasn't quite right.  And, here you have it - not one, but TWO brave male mantids mounting the female.  And if I'm not mistaken, she's looking a bit peckish, so perhaps only one of those males will pass on his DNA.  (It is true that about 30% of female mantids end up getting peeved and eating their suitor's heads).  Actually, I've not read anything about two males simultaneously mating with a female, so this is all rather curious.  I'll have to spend some Google time tonight.

But enough of bug porn, let's get on with the results for this week's Tiny Tuesday!  First, I have to say that you have made my job incredibly difficult.  I actually ended up awarding 7 hearts (two early) and I could have used many more.  In no particular order, Mantis Hearts go to:

Osuzanna for a perfectly shot butterfly
KayakGirl for a lovely, moody image with a cute surpise
Hanullis for her naughty bright blue bugs (in the theme of insect porn...)
theBroon for a magical and beautifully isolated image of water droplets on a web
SueJay50 for her beautifully photographed hoarded bits
SandraSuisse for her beautiful image of tiny crochet, perfectly composed
JensPhotos for her irresistible jumping spider

And Mantis Honorable Mentions to:
Isbi for her delightful bee Triptych
KenGrace for an amazing close up look at ... broccoli!
HowesRuth for her tiny little surprise in the flowers
AJC for a fascinating look at insect parasitism that most of us never see (warning: spider alert)
Kate64 for a really well done shot using perfect DOF to create a mood

More warblers in the yard today.  And so many dragonflies where I went walking today that I plan to head back tomorrow.  Yes, it is likely there will be more bug porn ahead.  I can't help myself...

Cheers.
Debbi