Do praying mantis EAT humming birds? I have one that was perched ON one of my feeders yesterday, so I moved her down to the salvias below to eat bugs, & this morning - she's back on the feeder. So, I moved her again, & watched her climb right back onto the feeder! She's pretty large for a praying mantis, but I cannot imagine she could catch a hummy - much less EAT one - But if anyone has heard of this happening, I'll move her FAR away! Samantha
Samantha, a while back there was a picture of a PM with a hummer in its grasp....it was here on DG and it was horrifying. It looked very real but may have been fixed, I wouldn't take any chances. PMs are accomplished hunters and predators, I would move her.
Google 'praying mantis and hummingbird' and you will see the pics, they are very disturbing....I couldn't even link them.
WOW!! Thanks - it's thundering & beginning to storm out, but when it's done - she's outta here! I had no idea - I love PM, but I'd absolutely choose a hummer over one if I had to! Thanks, fly_girl! I appreciate the help!
Samantha
Oh my gosh! I had no idea! I had to go look at the pictures--just awful. Glad I saw this--any preying mantis found on my feeders is gone!
Depends on how big that praying mantis is but yes there have been photos of hummies with their throats ripped out by one. A good ten years or so Dad and my uncle said they saw a good sized mantis back at the ranch with a hummie in it's clutches. Horrible to imagine.
Mantis also eat lots of butterflies...so I'd say move it far away or get rid of it.
~ Cat
yes have seen them trying to get hummies. and its more common then you think. http://www.insecta-inspecta.com/mantids/praying/
have seen alot of pictures of it and not the same pics. not a good sight. but they do eat them unfortunalty
I had just posted a pic of one on a feeder the other day on another thread...and someone told me about the danger. So I have a preying mantis that better not come back! For those who didn't see it, this is a large P.M. I usually leave them alone, but I have to protect my hummies.
Linda - How do you think they "spread the word" that a hummer feeder is THE place to hang out if they want a BIG meal??!! LOL!! I have never seen that before, now, you've had one, too - incredible! My DH was amazed, too! kind of creepy - makes you wonder how large a prey they might be able to kill - up until now, I've just moved them by 'giving them a ride' - on my hand, or arm - but NO MORE!!!!!! I've seen a few in previous years that could probably kill a squirrel - if they could catch it! YIKES!! Samantha
