Stomatopod Images

This particular individual, photographed near the Solomon Islands in 1995, looks decidedly grumpy as it excavates its burrow under the lights of 6-7 photographers. The mantis intermittently came out of its hole to toss out excess sand, the large compound eyes first scanning its surroundings before the rest of the body appeared. Thanks to Dr. Caldwell for identifying the specimen in this image, as well as the two other previously unidentified spearers.

Note the very visible spines on the most distal segment (the dactyl) of the stomatopod's raptorial appendage.