Up until last week, I don’t think I’d seen more than two or three praying mantises in my life, and each time I felt privileged, sort of the way I feel when I see a rainbow. Though I’ve spotted rainbows far more frequently. (Yes, even double rainbows, of which I’ve seen a few.) But last week, I saw two praying mantises just a foot or two away from each other.

I was inside working, Irene was outside, and the phone rang. Which had me thinking … uh, oh. Irene spotted a snake. But she hadn’t. She spotted these guys.

First up—the male. (Or so I assume. You tell me.)

Next—the female. (Or so I again assume.)

Based on how fat she is, I think the female is about to disgorge an egg sac. But again, I’m just guessing. And online sources are pretty vague about ID-ing these creatures.

Anything you can tell me by looking at these picture?