While S was digging in the dirt she spotted a 5cm-long albino mantis. They change colour to camouflage themselves and this one was among white geraniums. As we carefully approached, untangling olive branches from our hair, the mantis extended its forelegs in readiness to, presumably, strike. Here’s some excellent information about them on Wikipedia.
Apparently, the common spelling with an ‘a’ – praying mantis – refers to only a single species, (mantis religiosa) which this one may quite well be.
Note how it merges with its surroundings brilliantly – a close leaf relative nearby?
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© con jamón spain
con jamón spain 
I’ve never seen an albino mantid, either. Awwwwww …. I wonder how they get on when they want to find a mate? Do they get shunned? If I’m not mistaken, they are the only insects that can turn their heads in the way that they do.
Anyway, they are fascinating 🙂
Posted by Marianne | July 23, 2014, 8:14 amYou two are turning into Gerald Durrell. Love it.
Posted by C in Ohio | July 22, 2014, 12:11 pmWell, we’re family…and animals
Posted by con jamón spain | July 22, 2014, 2:11 pmThe ones I have seen are usually bright green and they seem very aware of you, swiveling that strange triangular head to look at you!
Posted by Wendy Kate | July 22, 2014, 10:24 amYes, think they are normally green. Exquisite little things.
Posted by con jamón spain | July 22, 2014, 11:03 am