And that's what I think my backyard cardinals are saying, too. Last week I was still spotting at least five praying mantises on a regular basis at a variety of locations around my yard. This week I saw just one, a few days ago, and now I'm seeing none!!!
I haven't done any scientific research, but I think it's the cardinals who are responsible for the mantis demise. I keep catching the cardinals hanging out in spots where the praying mantises are usually found, and this is not normal cardinal behavior in non-mantis season.
I think the cardinals may look at praying mantis somewhat like humans regard lobster tail. Plump, juicy, and delicious, and much more of a treat than say a skimpy little shrimp which has more shell than meat. I still have a very vivid visual memory of a cardinal tearing into one of my mantises two years ago, and seeming to enjoy every little morsel.
Oh well, I guess that's just the way Ma Nature works.
~~Leequi <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />