This is the 60th article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on the Mantids.
Not long before the lockdown began, as we were developing a sense of dread about the unknown threat facing us, I felt something land on my neck. I grabbed it and found in my hand a small green praying mantis.
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It moved onto my clothes, until finally it dropped onto the ground. Again, in the same area, I had the same experience. This time it stayed much longer on me, while I walked along the trails.
I was unperturbed by this, as in African folklore this is a sign of great good luck and I appreciated the confidence the insect showed in me. Some good news amidst the encircling gloom.
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I finally encouraged it to move onto a leaf of the Buckweed that is now growing vigorously through most of the reserve (two years ago, it died off in its 8-10 year cycle).
The mantids are a natural part of the ecology of the park and the neighbouring grassland, eating a range of small invertebrates, like butterflies and small insects.
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Later in the year, you will see many structures placed on the grasses – these are the ootheca, the housing for the egg mass.
I don’t know how many species of mantis we have in Pigeon Valley, but apart from the typical forms of mantis, we have also the spectacular flower mantises.
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These so strongly resemble flowers on a plant that we would generally not notice them. My brother Jonathan took this stunning photo of one in the reserve some time ago.
Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.
Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.
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