I noticed this monster attacking the library parking lot light Thursday morning and thought Cool! That’s the biggest praying mantis I’ve ever seen.

It was his great misfortune to still be on the light when I was leaving for lunch. A co-worker volunteered to help me catch the wee beastie and between the two of, with no squealing I might add, we got him in a box for me to take home to show the kiddies. Needless to say, Greg was thrilled. “You have what?” “No you cannot keep it.”

He was too big for the kids bug boxes as he was between 4 and 5 inches long, as long or bigger than Greg’s hand so I used a clear plastic pitcher to keep him in overnight. MaryVic was awed and drew pictures of him for school. William didn’t notice it at all. Yeah, yeah, I’m coloring here.

We took him to ‘school’ the next morning and all the kids were thrilled with one Dad making a “Fearsome Five!” comment. The three year old class was called over to look at it. William noticed it then and began excitedly pointed and waving “HI!” to it. He was even jockeying for a place to see it as the other children crowded around Ms. Nita’s desk to see it. It was decided he could see it best by scaling Momma.

After the excitement of the daycare and car ride, he was quite happy to rest on the reference desk for a while. I released him into a nearby flower garden onto some day lilies where he blended in very well.

Climbing the daylily.

Cleaning up.

Looks like his ready to catch his next meal.

Definitely giving me the evil eye. Go away crazy woman so I can catch some food after you have starved me 24 hrs!

He was really cool to catch and see. I wish the pitcher shots had come out better because he was huge! Hopefully he survives and maybe I’ll see him again around the library.