Mantis in Baltic Amber

Baltic Mantis

Orthoptera

Mantids (or mantis) are characterized by a lengthened chest and a head that can turn 180 degrees. They typically carry their barbed legs in an attack position. It looks like a praying position, giving them the nickname "praying mantis". They could be well called the "preying mantis" because they are fierce and fearless, attacking prey from insects to small animals like lizards.

The female often devours the male after mating; this also occurs between nymphs. Mantids lay eggs in a papier-mache-like cases, which when hardened, protect the eggs from harsh winter and predators. Inside amber, mantids are usually seen in their immature wingless form up to 0.6 inches long. They are very rare and prized by collectors.

This is a very large, juvenile mantis. It is in superb condition, one of the finest I have seen. The mantis is easy to see from any side and is as fine a specimen as they get. It is exciting just to look at this magnificent piece of Baltic amber.

Finally, please take a look at the scanned image:

Here is the full scanned image.

SOLD

Further pictures in greater resolution::

Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 7
Picture 8
Picture 9

Postage for amber will usually cost $5.35 (USD Priority Mail in the USA) or 1st class mail anywhere in the world. There may be exceptions to this. We will get your sample to you as soon as possible (usually mailed the same day or at worst, the next day). U.S. orders go out by Priority Mail, overseas as Air Mail. Books are normally mailed "Media Mail", unless they are light, in which case they are mailed first class. Overseas books are air mail unless the weight is prohibitive, in which case you will have the option of surface (ship) or paying a bit extra for air mail. All prices are in U.S. dollars. If you are overseas and want something other than normal air mail - contact us when you make the purchase. For any questions, please contact us at sales@ambericawest.com.

Our emails are sent immediately, so if you don't receive it, it is likely caught in a spam filter. You will receive another email when your order ships which will contain the shipping information.

You can pay 3 ways, either by credit card (located on each page as the 'buy now' button), a personal check, or purchase order.

Finally, if you feel more comfortable, feel free to call us at 719-488-2654 (this is in the United States). This number works as a fax if you would like to fax your request or purchase order.

Interested in a gift certificate for your daughter or son or that special person? Why not try our gift certificates?