Photo of the Day
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An orange, white, and black Mediterranean praying mantis stretches out its arms and legs in a defensive display while hanging onto a green plant.
October 21, 2026 | Think Big
A Mediterranean mantis (Iris oratoria) clings to a plant, stretching out its arms and legs in a defensive display. As a survival strategy, mantises try to make themselves appear as large and imposing as possible to potential predators. The Mediterranean mantis is particularly quick to become defensive—even when a photographer gets too close. When threatened, a mantis may stand tall on its hind legs, arch its back, raise its raptorial forelegs, and fan out its wings to create a more intimidating appearance.
