My New Friend, a Praying Mantis

My New Friend, a Praying Mantis

For several days in a row this praying mantis
has crawled from under the crocosmia leaves when I've been watering.
This may be her location to lay her egg chrysalis for the winter.
Below she has turned her head to look at me.
Praying mantis are very aware and can be quite intimidating.

Hopefully babies will hatch intact in the Spring.
Have you ever seen a baby praying mantis?
They are no larger than a sliver of a fingernail.
Little ones are easy to miss, yet so beneficial in the garden.