It’s impossible not to be fascinated by this alien-looking insect.  I spotted it crawling along the handrail of the lake’s boardwalk.  Busy on its prowl for prey, it paused long enough to give the human observer a curious glance.

From whence arrived the praying mantis? 
From outer space, or lost Atlantis?
glimpse the grin, green metal mug
at masks the pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthropterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us. 
~Ogden Nash