Originally published at: https://boingboing.net/2023/08/21/tiny-predator-in-action-watch-a-baby-mantis-snatch-and-eat-a-bug-on-video.html
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8 Likes
Looks like it knocked the bug onto the table, then cleaned its claw. Nice reaction time though!
11 Likes
Yep, the mantis did not, in fact, eat the bug. You can see the bug on the table after the attempted strike. It’s not moving, though, so it could be stunned or even dead.
5 Likes
Mantids are very cool. It clearly missed it’s meal in the strike, but it’ll get better.
I enjoyed the kick reflex when the bug hit it’s leg. No other limbs moved at all.
Before and after it saw the potential prey it’s moving side to side to get better depth perception of the surroundings using motion parallax, but when the critter was in sight nothing moved but the kick and strike
4 Likes
The Vermin only teaze and pinch
Their Foes superior by an Inch.
So, Nat’ralists observe, a Flea
Hath smaller Fleas that on him prey,
And these have smaller yet to bite 'em,
And so proceed ad infinitum:
Thus ev’ry Poet, in his Kind
Is bit by him that comes behind.
4 Likes
Slow motion version, please. 
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