Meet the mantids! #prayingmantis #orchidmantis #bug #bugs #fyp

This is one my female ghost mantises (Phyllocrania paradox’s) I was gifted by @kf_invertebrates.This species is quite amazing and great beginner mantis as they are pretty hardy. But sadly as with most mantids they live about a year. -#ghostmantis #mantis #prayingmantis #phyllocraniaparadoxa #insectsofinstagram #mantids #insects #insect #macro #entomology #prayingmantisofinstagram #mantisofinstagram #bug #bugs #insectphotography #mantidsofinstagram #mantodea #macrophotography #orchidmantis #bugso

That transparent shell next to our mantis shrimp is not a ghost, but his molt! 👻 But what's cooler than that? The urchin next to it is feeding on it! While urchins primarily eat algae, they are opportunistic feeders and will consume small animals or organic material when available. This can include sea cucumbers, mussels, sponges, and occasionally the molts of other animals. Molts like this one are packed with nutrients, making them a tasty (and sustainable!) treat for these prickly sea creatur