Images of Illinois (Park Ridge, St. Charles, Wayne: church, trails, trip)

[Steve-o]

GREAT images, Steven!!!! Looks like a Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia) in your last pic. I love those things and have caught many over the years, even keeping one as a pet. Such cool and interesting insects, arent they?

I, too, have noticed some color changing going on. Its not much, but there is definitely a few trees turning yellow and some turning red. I love this time of year. Just curious though, what day was it "humid"? I think this summer has been one of the least humid Ive ever experienced.

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

GREAT images, Steven!!!! Looks like a Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia) in your last pic. I love those things and have caught many over the years, even keeping one as a pet. Such cool and interesting insects, arent they?

I, too, have noticed some color changing going on. Its not much, but there is definitely a few trees turning yellow and some turning red. I love this time of year. Just curious though, what day was it "humid"? I think this summer has been one of the least humid Ive ever experienced.

Thanks, Steve-o! I love when I get a glimpse of those mantes, too. I've only seen three in my lifetime and they're fascinating to watch. You really have to look for them because they blend in so well with their surroundings. Thanks for identifying it, I didn't know that there were different kinds.

You're right, there isn't a lot of color changing yet. It's very subtle with a pop of red or yellow patches. I love the fall, too, and can't wait until the colors are everywhere.

Over the last week it's felt humid to me. As I walked around taking pictures, the air felt so heavy and I was sweating a lot. It could be because I was near the river, I'm not sure. I do agree that this summer has felt like one of the least humid that we've had in awhile.

Here's another pic of two mantes on some colored leaves. You've had one as a pet? Cool!

[Steve-o]

Oh yeah, I LOVE mantids. There are 2 species in IL... Chinese mantids (Tenodera aridifolia) and European mantids (Mantis religiosa). Ive captured several of them, even ordered an exotic species from Africa (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii). Mantids are totally cool, and very friendly to boot!

Mantis religiosa:


Tenodera aridifolia:








Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii:

[StevenKrzak]

Steve-o, what can I say? Awesome pictures!!! I love the shot of the mantis posing in the flowers. And the species that you ordered from Africa is so ornate with that spiral pattern on the wings.

Thanks for the info on the Illinois species. I wish that I could find more of them to take pictures. They seem so hard to find!

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by StevenKrzak

Steve-o, what can I say? Awesome pictures!!! I love the shot of the mantis posing in the flowers. And the species that you ordered from Africa is so ornate with that spiral pattern on the wings.

Thanks for the info on the Illinois species. I wish that I could find more of them to take pictures. They seem so hard to find!

Thanks Steve! Looks like the 2 mantids in your first pic (2nd series) are, uh, doing the nasty. Thats cool though! Just means more baby mantids come late spring!

I love going out into the prairies and looking for their egg cases (called "ootheca"). Every once in a while youll find one with babies emerging. And dang it, if theyre not the cutest things ever!

[JoshB]

Great pictures, Steven and Steve-o!

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Great pictures, Steven and Steve-o!

Thanks, Josh. Welcome back!

[JoshB]

Thanks, Steven! The U.P. was so beautiful.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Thanks, Steven! The U.P. was so beautiful.

Is that where you went? Lucky dog.

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Thanks, Steven! The U.P. was so beautiful.

You're welcome, Josh! The UP is gorgeous. By the way, great pics!!