“I’ll eat you.”
I’m sure that’s what this little guy was thinking. All while muttering under his breath, “Just if I was a little bigger. A little bigger”.
I enjoyed the stand-off with him. It reminded me of those kitschy 60’s Japanese horror films where overgrown insects take over Tokyo. Just minature. And not so scary. Because, if he were overgrown I would’ve been running in terror.
Just like in those movies.
But, in fact, this preying mantis is a vegetarian. He lives in Penang. And he’s designed to be perfectly camouflaged when resting in a tree. Even his wings look like dried leaves.
Stand-Off
Miniature monster/alien villan
When the tide goes out in Penang strange creatures show up. And I mean strange.
Are these fish? Mutated half-breeds resulting from the heavily polluted waters? What are they!?!?
That’s what I kept asking myself as they flopped, crawled and scooted across the soft mud. And effortlessly darted in the water whenever I got too close.
Good thing for Google. After about ten minutes of searching I learned they are called mudskippers. An appropriate name.
Mudskippers breathe through their skin, as long as it remains moist. During high tide, they maintain an air pocket inside their burrow, which allows them to breathe in low-oxygen conditions.
Freaky mudskippers
Tide out, thousands of mud burrow holes
I don’t normally enjoy zoos all that much because I end up feeling sorry for the caged-up animals. But, before visiting the Singapore Zoo several people informed me that it was different. Well, not so much the case. All I have to say is polar bears on the equator. No need to say more.
But, feeding the kangaroos provided a fun interlude. I really enjoyed having them eat from my hand! The kangaroos were so gentile and happy to get some treats.
Yum, yum.
Gimme more food!
