Madame Mantis

The Praying Mantis is Connecticut's state insect, which, you've got to admit, is supercool.

And the other night, one paid us a visit . . .

. . . and landed right on Giant Cacti in our kitchen.

She used the cactus needles as rungs to climb up her new discovery.

One of the most interesting thing about Praying Mantises -- besides them flying into strangers' houses at nights -- is their reproduction habits:

The infamous reproductive process in many praying mantis species is marked by a post-sexual cannibalism of the male by the hungry female, and is an ongoing subject of research and legend.*

*theprayingmantis.org

That's right. They mate, and then the female bites the male's head right off his fool body.

Who, me?

Yes, me. So watch what you say, suckah.

You'd never know it; she looks so calm and regal in silhouette.

But she's fierce, and she's awesome and she's all woman.

Plus, she makes a fabulous drop-in visitor.

And a spectacular new friend.

Madame Mantie

And one self-respecting State Insect.