so beautiful bug-7: 사마귀

사마귀 (praying mantis) is a formidable predator, putting them on the top of the food chain in insects. Modified front legs are good for grabbing preys firmly, so no one can escape.

It was very hard to focus on this guy with digital camera.
(Click to enlarge)

I have to admit that 사마귀 are not beautiful to me. They look a bit threatening or scary in particular when they stare me in the eyes. ..섬찌~찢..  So until recently I had no courage to catch it with bare fingers.


While I was roaming our back yard, I noticed a figure with thin body (~ 1-inch long).  It was a baby 사마귀!!!!
I was very glad to see the baby mantis for the first time.




고슴도치 세끼처럼 사마귀 세끼도 귀엽네요.
그래도 이 쬐끄만 것이 째-려보기는....
나를 한번 어찌 해 보겠다고?  ㅠㅠ

사마귀 belong to Order Mantodea.  There are about 20 species known in North America.  =°|°=

In Korean, 사마귀 has an additional meaning; benign skin warts. I wonder how such completely different things got the same name.