Micro Mantis! Yersiniops sphodronica L1

[Precarious]

Just slightly larger than a Hydei fruit fly, it's hard to believe this is a tiny mantis until seen up close. Their tiny raptors can barely hold a springtail but I have seen the brave among them tackle melanogasters.

With a face like a cartoon kitten they may qualify as the cutest mantis species.

Not the best footage but I'll try to do better next time.

Soundtrack by Precarious

 

[Precarious]

Big thanks to Yen for another interesting species! :clap:

Fresh hatched nymph...

 

[Bryce08]

I saw them posted, the eyes are just unreal....I LOVE them!

Wonderful pics...of course, I dont know how you do it Henry

and I know these little guys were a pain to get shots of >.<

 

[CoolMantid]

That is an amazing shot! How do you do it? There must be magic involved because this is unreal :sorcerer:

 

[agent A]

so cutesy!! :wub:

 

[Myrmecologist2]

How big do they get....those aren't adults are they?

 

[Precarious]

How big do they get....those aren't adults are they?

These are L1. Adults get up to a whole inch. :whistling:

http://usamantis.com/07-01-11YersiniopsTX.html

Very little information out there on this species. I just uploaded the video and it's the 3rd link when you search on Google. The first 2 hits are from Yen's site! The 4th and final link is in Chinese. I'd guess this page will soon be added.

 

[Precarious]

and I know these little guys were a pain to get shots of >.<

I didn't have too much trouble getting the shots but getting the lighting right was a nightmare. Still not perfect even after taking multiples of each pose with the flash heads aimed differently.

That is an amazing shot! How do you do it? There must be magic involved because this is unreal :sorcerer:

Well... Maybe a little magic.

 

[D.J.]

They have giant heads.

 

[Mvalenz]

Awesome video and pics. Indeed adorable little fellas.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Are you sure those are mantises and not just specks of dust that happened to be shaped somewhat like mantises? :detective:

 

[Precarious]

Are you sure those are mantises and not just specks of dust that happened to be shaped somewhat like mantises? :detective:

You may be right...

 

[Idolofreak]

Dang those are small!!! :blink: I'm surprised YOU could get pics that good of such a small mantis (Even w/ your awesome camera & lens). :tt1:

 

[Idolofreak]

I saw them posted, the eyes are just unreal....I LOVE them!

+1 :wub:

 

[Chivalry]

 

[spawn]

That was a radical video! Great music; not overdone.