Orchid and Texicorn Ladies

[twolfe]

I've mentioned in the past that I started photographing wild mantises in Texas, found this forum and decided to buy some mantis to photograph them. Now that I'm breeding multiple species I find little time to photograph them. The last mantis I photographed was an L1 O. dumonti nymph on May 12 that someone gave me. Anyway, a lone Stargazer lily bloomed in the yard this year, and I cut it to use a prop for photographing a gray tree frog that I had captured. Well, the frog I chose was not cooperating last night. I didn't want to waste the lily and decided to place one of my Orchids on it. This morning I used the flower again and took a few more images. These were both taken outdoors. (No tripod Precarious. Don't expect me to try that with the MP-65E lens.)

I had the urge to try another mantis late this afternoon and got out one of my Texas Unicorn ladies. I placed her on a Verbascum thapsus (Great or Common Mullein) plant. I don't think she appreciated my plant choice, though she did seem to like being outdoors. It sure is easier and less frustrating to photograph adults than tiny nymphs! I wouldn't dare take my male Texicas Unicorns adults outside or they'd fly away.

Oh, I did get the tree frog to cooperate this morning. I promised her/him that I would let it go if it cooperated. It's back on the house with its many friends and relatives now. I'll post a couple of links in case anyone is interested.

http://twolfephotos....07-201946-L.jpg

http://twolfephotos....07-201945-L.jpg

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Very nice shots once again! I really like that sub-Orchid pic, she has vivid coloration from head to toe. :wub:

 

[ismart]

Wow! Your photos are fantastic!

 

[agent A]

Nice!! I miss my unicorn gal

 

[sueb4653]

Beautiful pics especially like the orchid

 

[Termite48]

Tammy: You have done it again. That is a nice marriage of the flower color and type with the gorgeous sub adult Orchid, who looks to be a willing and

worthy model. Keep up the good work. The Texas Unicorn looks proud to be pictured. Thanks for r always posting the best for the rest of us to enjoy.

RIch Sekerman

 

[Mvalenz]

Awesome pics. Love that orchid. So vivid.

 

[mantid_mike]

Beautiful shots, Tammy!

 

[stacy]

amazing pictures!

 

[Precarious]

Beautiful! What a perfect pink Orchid. That frog is adorable too! So good to see you using the bug models. The blue sky background is gorgeous, especially in the Unicorn shot.

 

[giesle]

Pretty mantises, especially the Orchid, and well taken, as always.

 

[agent A]

Tammy I may have to come to your house and steal that frog lol

 

[fercho ing]

amazing photos !!!!!

 

[twolfe]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the comments! I finally got that female Texicorn mated. So, her modeling days (at least outside) are done, though I never see the females fly.

Tammy I may have to come to your house and steal that frog lol

Alex, I let the frog go, but there are plenty more. They stick to the windows at night when the lights are on. I love them but don't like the poop everywhere. I used a black light and white cloth to catch insects at night. It's on a timer, and every night there are at least 3 - 4 of them waiting for the light to go on. There are now babies on the house, too, though the medium sized frogs are easier to photograph.

 

[Paradoxica]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the comments! I finally got that female Texicorn mated. So, her modeling days (at least outside) are done, though I never see the females fly.

Alex, I let the frog go, but there are plenty more. They stick to the windows at night when the lights are on. I love them but don't like the poop everywhere. I used a black light and white cloth to catch insects at night. It's on a timer, and every night there are at least 3 - 4 of them waiting for the light to go on. There are now babies on the house, too, though the medium sized frogs are easier to photograph.

Hello Tammy, any chance you will be selling a texicorn ooth in the near future? I would love to try my hand at a unicorn colony.

 

[hibiscusmile]

looking good!

 

[rs4guy]

Great shots!