Mantis on my Porch

I was out back today, and noticed that my backyard frog was out yet again. I looked over where our porch light is wired in and noticed a beautiful green Mantis sitting on the wall. I was surprised at the color because I live in a desert and most of the Mantids I see are dark or light brown. Either that, or they are some weird variation of green that looks more like a really dirty swamp. I took the chance I had, and took a few pictures. Some of them aren't very clear or good, but I did what I could to get them clear enough to see.

 

Here's a shot from the front. It's not very clear because the poor little guy was getting freaked out with my cat and dog sniffing around and moving around quite a bit.

After the animals went in and I calmed the little guy down, he allowed me to get closer.

Here's a picture to show how big the little guy was compred to my finger.

Here's a picture from the top, slightly angled.

A side picture.

This picture was also taken from the side, but is blurry because my little sister came out and spooked the poor guy. I have to say that (besides the one I saw three years ago) all the Mantids I have seen here in Arizona haven't ever been this colorful.