Praying Mantis

If this isn't a praying mantis I'll eat my head!

I just came across this photo of David's hand taken by Craig Werth in early October. Isn't this insect amazing? This specimen was found in New Jersey.

I spent many a summer's day as a child, searching them out in the fields near my home, but I have yet to see one in my garden. I would love to have some as residents since mantids provide the best natural pest control going. Look at those Popeye fore arms - aren't you glad they aren't 3 feet long instead of 3 inches?

Fall and a Spotted Salamander

I found this fine spotted salamander at the end of October under a slab of granite. I don't often run across this species so I was happy to see one. Spotted salamander eggs are easily damaged by acid rain and other pollutants so I hope my sighting indicates that we live in a healthy environment.