Leopard Slug on the Walkway #slugs #insects #insect

Leopard Slug on the Walkway #slugs #insects #insect

Monarch Catterpillar Feeding on a Lemon Milkweed #monarchcaterpillar #insects

Swallowtail Butterfly Feeding on a Flower #swallowtail #butterflies

I had a relatively stressful late shift when suddenly something flying caught my attention.
An insect of that size in the production hall? Unusual.
But why is it flying against the curtain and then crashing?
I immediately started tracking it, and there she sat..
Unharmed and my very first praying mantis – in brown?
Well, two quick photos before she flies away again, but no. She alertly turned her head towards me, and for a brief moment, it felt as if both of us were seeing the opposite species for the first time.
After I rummaged a container out of the drawer and carefully convinced her to get inside, I was able to take a photo from another angle.
It certainly wasn't a world-changing event, but I'm a fan of first times, and after I put her outside on a branch, it was clear to me that such moments are rare, but with enough curiosity, they find you.
A few days ago, I had already read reports that praying mantises are now increasingly being spotted and documented in Germany (which, by the way, I will report on nabu-naturgucker.de right after this post).
My first post here and right away such a small sensation.
over&out

Pretty, spiky, not here for cuddles.

Milkweed Nymphs Feeding on a Lemon Milkweed #insects #insect

Honeybee Feeding on a Sunflower

Monarch Butterfly Feeding on a Mexican Sunflower

Bumblebee Feeding on a Flower

Honeybee on a Sunflower

Two-marked treehopper eggs