Baskadia

Mantis

The mantis is a predatory insect known for its distinctive appearance, including a triangular head and spiky forelimbs adapted for catching and gripping prey. With excellent camouflage and a patient hunting strategy, mantises are skilled predators in the insect world. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, nymph, and adult stages. Mantis species vary in size and color, and they are found in diverse habitats worldwide.

Gu Kaizhi (copy after), The Nymph of the Luo River, 10-13th century, handscroll

The legend has it that Cao Zhi (192-232), a prince of the state of Cao Wei, fell in love with the magistrate’s daughter. However, she married his brother, Cao Pi, and the prince became dejected. Later, he composed an emotional poem about the love between the goddess and mortal. In the 4th century, Gu Kaizhi (ca. 344-ca. 406), a Chinese artist, was moved by the story and illustrated the poem. Unfortunately, the original 4th painting was lost.

Coreid Nymph.

A pest of cocoa