Some people may want to skip by here, others will find this interesting. These are a bit graphic, most images will be in a gallery.
So… we were aware larger Praying Mantis have been known to attack Hummingbirds, there are even (gross) videos. We had seen a Mantis near our feeders so were trying to chase him off.
Then one afternoon the vines made noise and the arbor leaves shook.
Of course we quickly went to check for a Mantis. What we found was a Cicada caught by the Mantis.
No additional details, a few images in a gallery below. Nature is not always pretty.
Click any image to view the gallery.
Mantis – Cicada
Mantis – Cicada
Mantis – Cicada
Mantis – Cicada
Cicada are not all that much smaller than a Hummingbird. Depending on where you live it may be something to watch for.
Poor Cicada!
Not a pretty sight
Yes, It is!
As Shakespeare could have said: to eat or to be eaten. Although the cicada had a very small change to survive.
It may be the Mantis turn soon. I noticed a snake climbing in those same vines only a few minutes ago.
😅