Mantis - After the Molt

As I was taking shots of the Mantis Exoskeleton I found the newly emerged Mantis.

Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.

~ Mary Ann Brussat

Mantis Molt

One of the highlights of my walk yesterday (06-12-11) was finding the shed exoskeleton of a baby mantis. I didn't even realize the the mantis went through a molt.

This is the same picture. The first picture shows a rotated view but this picture show exactly how I found it - on the underside of a leaf.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.

~Joseph Campbell