October 2019 Poster Stats
Praying Mantis & PNW Insects
Edition size: 70. 64 wild, 5 for sale, 1 artist proofs

Poster size: 11" x 17"

Number of colors/layers: 2 layers

While the Praying Mantis made its debut as a giant, villainous, predator in 1957’s “The Deadly Mantis,” it is a hero in your garden. The Praying Mantis is an ambush predator that lies in wait for the passing cricket, fly or caterpillar. This green carnivore isn’t too picky and will also devour the unsuspecting bee or butterfly too. Should you find one in your yard between mid-summer to mid-autumn, count yourself lucky! They are masters at camouflage and here in the Pacific Northwest that means browns, greens or even reddish colors to hide from birds or other predators. Our Mantis are imported from Europe, but do well here as they lay their eggs in fall and die in the winter. As spring comes a new crop of pest-devouring insects hatch to protect your dahlias and daisies. 

You may have heard about the whole “eating her mate during or after mating” thing. Its true. Scientist have observed this behavior in the lab and even in the wild. Yet, they still multiply! Different mantis species have varying rates of cannibalism. Mantis males have better chances of survival the bigger they are and the better fed the ladies are. Scientist found that if the Chinese Mantis females weren’t hungry, the mating pair danced together and left the male’s head intact. 

The Pacific Northwest boasts an incredible variety of insects, but you must look carefully for them. Like our local mantis they are well hidden with their brown, cream and black coloring. Since we do not have many poisonous insects, they need not warn predators, only hide. We do have a few vibrantly colored bugs like the Sweat Bee which are iridescent green and many of our butterflies. You often see an cricket, a ladybug or dragonfly in the summer. Planting flowers like Cosmos, Echinacea, Lantana, Blue Star, Marigolds, Black-eyed Susans, Lavender and Swamp Milkweed will attract butterflies and bees alike. I’m sure any Praying Mantis nearby will appreciate the snacks you entice with your flowers too.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Brittany Resch isn’t a native to the Pacific Northwest, but has made it her home for 10 years. Her artwork is imaginative and often incorporates calligraphy or lettering. She deeply appreciates wit and charm. Tell her a joke. Do a magic trick. She’ll love it. www.eventscriptseattle.com @eventscript 

ABOUT THE WRITER: Cassie Grace is a illustrator, printmaker and bookbinder from Bremerton. You can see more of her work on social media @thepapersandwich