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A praying mantis, Stagmomantis limbata, is hanging out in a patch of African blue basil in a Vacaville garden.
Me: "Whatcha doing, Ms. Mantis?"
Ms. Mantis: "Oh, just watching the bees. Look at how much pollen and nectar they're collecting! It's a bee-utiful thing!"
Me: "Just watching them?"
Ms. Mantis: "Yes, just bee-ing aware of them."
Me: "Have you had your breakfast yet?"
Ms. Mantis: "Oh, yes. I ate a stink bug and a lygus bug, just as you recommended. Great culinary choices! Thank you for the recommendations! I surely do appreciate that!"
Me: "Nothing else? Umm, what's that bee doing in your spiked forelegs?
Ms. Mantis: "Just cradling it. Just cradling it. It's a bee-utiul thing,"
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