Earlier this week I discovered a tiny praying mantis sitting quietly on top of my mānuka bush beside the deck. Encounters like this are one of the joys of praying mantis photography in the garden. These small predators often go unnoticed, but if you take the time to look closely, they reveal fascinating behaviour and great photographic opportunities. (Warning – some graphic images follow)
Because the mantis was so small and my lens is quite large, capturing a sharp image proved challenging. I was using my Panasonic Leica 100-400mm lens, and while I could have swapped to something more suited to close-up photography, I simply didn’t want to. It is my favourite lens and, surprisingly, it handles macro-style shots very well.
The Challenge of Photographing a Tiny Praying Mantis
Focusing on the mantis was tricky. The small mānuka leaves constantly blocked the view and confused the autofocus. At times I switched to manual focus, but the best results came when I waited patiently for the praying mantis to move into a clear space.
Patience is often the key to successful praying mantis photography, especially when the subject is small and surrounded by foliage.
A Rain-Soaked Praying Mantis
Later that day the rain arrived, and I assumed that would be the last I would see of the tiny mantis. However I was wrong.
When I checked the bush again, the praying mantis was still there. Even better, I managed to photograph it covered in raindrops. The droplets clung to its body like a delicate balancing act, creating a wonderful opportunity for a unique image.
Moments like this are one of the joys of photographing wildlife in your own garden.
Waiting for the Perfect Hunting Moment
The following day the sun returned, so I went looking for the mantis again. Sure enough, it was perched on the bush near several mānuka flowers, almost as if it was waiting for breakfast.
The bush was alive with activity. Bees buzzed between flowers and several large flies hovered nearby. It was the flies that clearly had the mantis’ attention. I grabbed a stool, settled in with my camera, and hoped to capture a moment of praying mantis hunting behaviour.
After about 15 minutes I witnessed the first strike. The mantis lunged at a fly, but the fly managed to escape. It was a very close call.
Ten minutes later, the mantis tried again. This time it was successful, and I managed to capture the shot I had been hoping for.
A Well-Earned Meal
Once the fly had been consumed, the praying mantis seemed content. The hunting stopped and there was very little movement from the insect afterwards.
I suspect the mantis had a full belly and was ready for an afternoon nap.
With the action over, I left the mantis in peace and headed inside to download my images. It had been a small but memorable wildlife encounter, and another reminder that some of the best wildlife photography opportunities can happen right outside the back door.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II and Panasonic Leica 100-400 lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.