From my car I was photographing flowers when I noticed this mantis among the blooms. I took several photos when I saw a fly land just inches from the mantis. I missed the strike, but the mantis did not. however, the fly did escape the jaws of death.
Sharpness is questionable, but best I could get. Are the colors OK?
Canon R6M2, Sigma 16-300mm at 273mm. 1/500 @ F-13, ISO 3200. Hand held.
Plant colors look good to me but I don’t know what color the mantis should be – is it a bit on the cyan side?? I wonder if it is possible to tame the highlights in the abdomen? The stems are a bit busy, but so is the subject! Here’s a quick idea that brings attention more to the action. Just a crop and 2 quick swipes of the Remove Tool in PS. (Might have gone after the UL corner as well.)
John: Great capture of the action, I’m surprised the fly escaped. I do like your original but @Diane_Miller’s adjustments do improve the quality of the images aesthetics. Good eye to spot this and a solid capture.>=))>
Great job spotting this and getting the action, John. I too wonder about the colors of the mantis and the leaves, but you were the one who was there and this doesn’t look like the mantises we have out here (unfortunately imported from Asia and more damaging to our native pollinators than benefit to our gardens).
John, this is a fine look at this Mantis with prey. The Mantid’s colors are set off very well by the flowers. Young Mantid’s can change color depending on their surroundings and/or with each molt. Pretty amazing that the fly escaped.
Wow, John. Great action shot and well done. The color contrast worked very well here.
Thanks for y our comments. The color of the mantis accurate, but they do change color as they grow.
Thank you for your comments;
It was fun photographing this guy, thank you for your c omments.
It is not a native. Th e color of the mantis is accurate, but they do change color as they grow.
Thank you for your c comments. I was lucky to spot this one.
