It began with an extraordinary sight — dozens of tiny praying mantises hatching by my doorstep,

each no bigger than my pinky. I watched in awe as they climbed the walls, beginning their delicate journey into life.

From Egg to Hatchling

Praying mantises emerge from an ootheca, a foamy egg case that hardens to protect up to a hundred eggs. When spring warmth arrives,

it cracks open, releasing perfect miniature mantises — wingless yet fierce. Witnessing that moment felt like watching nature’s quiet magic unfold.

Nature’s Little Hunters

Small but skilled, mantises are natural pest controllers, feeding on flies, aphids, and mosquitoes. With nearly 360°

vision and lightning-fast strikes, they embody patience and precision — a living example of balance and grace in motion.

A Lesson in Awareness

In many cultures, the mantis symbolizes stillness, mindfulness, and focus. Seeing those hatchlings reminded me to slow down and appreciate

the subtle wonders of everyday life. Renewal, I realized, doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it whispers on tiny legs, climbing toward the light.