I was out photographing insects, mostly damselfly, when this mantis nymph came into view in my frame. It's the first mantis I've seen this year, so I got a couple of photos. To my surprise, the damselfly then landed on the same plant. Yes, it is larger than the mantis, but that doesn't dissuade this consummate hunter.
The mantis very slowly turned its head, as shown here (even the tiniest ones are instinctively very patient hunters). Eventually it turned its whole body and was facing up. The damselfly didn't leave the plant in the several minutes I watched both insects; I suspect it decided to roost there for the night. I would guess the damselfly won't wake up tomorrow morning.
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