Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Chinese Mantis

I was walking through the park and I saw something land in the grass next to me out of the corner of my eye. I thought a butterfly had landed on a stick. It took me a few seconds before I realized it was the "stick" that had flown and landed right next to me. This Chinese Mantis was giving me the stare-down as I crouched down to take this picture.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Windber, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Camera: DC-FZ80
Copyright: © Riley Alvarado