Mossy Mountains...and a bug

Baby Mantis

The Praying Mantis is one of my favorite insects (along with stick bugs, beetles and butterflies). I love the way they can turn their heads and their unusual mating ritual- the female bites off her mate's head when she is finished with him! 

I was washing hydrangeas I cut from my garden when I saw this little guy scurrying across the counter; I tried to get him on a cup to take outside and you wouldn't believe the attitude! He was thrusting his arms at me and trying to be all scary. Too bad he was only one inch long. 

I usually only see about one Mantis per year, but since I know there are babies in the area maybe I will see more this summer. In the meantime, enjoy these pics of my baby Mantis!

Carlos the Great

This is Carlos. He enjoys stuffing food in his cheeks, digging, running and looking cute. He sleeps all day and parties all night. He is strict in following the raw food diet- almonds, grapes and lettuce are his top picks. Carlos keeps a clean house, his motto is: "There is a corner for everything," and everything in it's corner makes for a tidy nest. Shredded paper towels are the ideal bedding, and you will never hear Carlos complain about crumbs in bed- in fact, sleep eating is one of his favorite pastimes. 

It was a challenge photographing Carlos because he cannot see past his whiskers. I told him to hold still and do what he does best- look adorable!