We got an early start on a much needed deep clean of the house today. Later in the morning Monte was outside sweeping the patio when he told me that there was a praying mantis on one of the patio chairs. I grabbed my camera and started taking a bunch of closeups. The contrast is a bit poor because this bug was pretty much the same color as the chair.
This shot was taken a couple of seconds before he (she?) lept the few inches of space between it and the camera and hung on to the lens. It’s a good thing this Canon D10 is shock-proof as well as waterproof because I proceeded to scream and drop the camera.
Nothing like a close encounter with an insect to get the blood flowing…
Sheila365 
I like your mantis. It’s almost as if it’s looking askance at you before making the mighty leap. Glad your D10 is okay. (I’m still chuckling.)
Thanks for stopping by!
Hmmm…I’m waffling between fascinated and totally creeped out. I can relate to your reaction. I was in Sedona last fall and almost stepped on a tarantula crossing my path. Freak out doesn’t even describe it! Great shot, though.
Lisa