I have never seen anything like this before, ever. It’s like a cross between a wasp and a preying mantis. I found her today on a choke cherry tree growing alone in the sagebrush at the 700 metre level of the Bella Vista Hills above Okanagan Landing in the North Okanagan Valley. Here she is with her front legs folded.
And here she is with the front legs spread wide open. Well, the word ‘legs’ hardly does this armament justice.
Note the claws and the teeth. Especially the teeth.
That is an incredible animal. Length: about an inch or a little more, like any normal yellow jacket wasp. If you know what this is, or how I might find out, please let me know.
Categories: Nature Photography, Other People
Okanagan Okanogan 
Ok, with that many legs… perhaps not an insect. What on earth? Anyone?
LikeLike
What an astonishing creature…as if something started to make a lobster and changed its mind halfway. No idea what it is, but wish I was in London at the Natural History Museum, photo in hand. I’ll bet someone there would know.
LikeLike
Hi, Gloria,
Ann has sent a great link to the Mantid Fly:
http://www.dailycamera.com/science-environment/ci_17285454
What a creature!
Fantastic
best
Harold
LikeLike
Hey Harold! Awesome find, and you’re right on the money! It’s a Mantisfly, probably Climaciella brunnea. The joys we behold when we wander on the land and pay attention. I love your blog, keep it up!
LikeLike
Hi, Kurt,
you got it, for sure. People like you have been so helpful on this one! Check out this cool link.
http://www.dailycamera.com/science-environment/ci_17285454
best,
Harold
LikeLike
What a life story! The wonders in this world…….
LikeLike
And I thought i had discovered a new creature here in the Hocking Hills today. I have never in my life seen anything like it before. Where does it come from and how did it end up in Ohio?
LikeLike
So, you found one too! They are native to much of the US and certain parts of Canada, such as mine. Son of a gun, eh!
LikeLike