Praying mantis

The aphid eaters were out in force today: jumping spiders, lacewings, praying mantis. I caught the latter, a tiny green juvenile less than 3cm long, this morning. It was in a difficult part of the garden, lots of contortion on my part, trying not to disturb M's plantings. I love how it looks like it comes with its own internal neon lighting.

I was just about to flick off what I thought was a twig
getting in the way when I noticed it was no ordinary twig, but a stick insect nearly 30cm long. What it lacks in tiny it has in amazing. See extra.

Thanks for hosting Greg. Stay safe and well blippers.