Mantis preys on luckless lizard

Preying ... mantis devours gecko

THIS poor lizard didn't have a prayer of hope once it was in the clutches of an insect with a monster appetite.

The unlucky gecko was taken on by a praying mantis — which normally sticks to eating insects.

But larger mantises are known to prey on scorpions, lizards and frogs, and this one clearly had no trouble finishing off the gecko.

The wildlife scene was captured on camera by Dutch photographer Jim Hoffman.

Luckless lizard ... praying mantis devours the reptile

The 51-year-old came across this struggle in his back garden in Spain.

He said: "Both creatures are very common in Spain but a praying mantis will usually go for something much smaller than itself.

"It was clear the gecko was very unlucky.

"As a nature photographer I felt quite lucky to stumble across the scene because it's so rare but I did feel very sorry for the gecko.

Iron grip ... the mantis holds the gecko in its clutches

"I've always been interested in smaller animals but I'm not sure why, I think it's something I've felt since childhood. It's in my genes.

"Photographing animals in free nature demands a lot of patience and perseverance.

"It's very important to know their behaviour and where and when you can find them."

Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

Mazda is to launch a limited-edition model of its popular MX-5 sportscar at the Chicago Auto Show next week.

The Japanese brand said that only 450 Special Edition variants of the MX-5 will be produced, boasting an upgraded roof and new interior.

Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 Miata has become the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster and is a popular — and much cheaper — alternative to high-end models from the likes of Porsche and BMW.

The new Special Edition will feature two new exterior colors and a powered retractable hard top in black, Mazda said, marking the first time a non-body-colored hardtop (a trademark style of models such as the Mini Cooper) has been offered.

Inside, the model will offer black heated leather seats, black interior accents and gloss finishes — the whole thing will ride on 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels.

As the Chicago Auto Show is known for focusing on the everyday buyer, it’s no surprise that plenty of more affordable models will be on display alongside the supercars which normally grace the isles of the world’s premier auto shows.

Pawang minum darah ayam jantan

AFP
RUSDI JAM TONI menghirup darah daripada seekor ayam jantan pada perarakan festival Cap Goh Meh di Jakarta kelmarin.

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JAKARTA - Seorang pawang tempatan bernama Rusdi Jam Toni dari Sambas menghirup darah seekor ayam jantan semasa festival Cap Goh Meh di sini kelmarin.

Seorang lagi pawang yang dikenali sebagai Fasidami menyemburkan darah ayam jantan selepas dia menghirupnya daripada haiwan itu.

Cap Goh Meh merupakan hari penutup sambutan Tahun Baru Cina. - AFP

Ikan Araipaima diternak secara komersial di Peru

LIMA - Sejenis ikan gergasi yang hidup di Sungai Amazon, Paiche diternak secara komersial di Peru bagi memenuhi permintaan tinggi di pasaran tempatan dan luar negara.

Isi Paiche yang rendah lemak dan tanpa pencemaran raksa menjadikan ia popular dalam kalangan penggemar ikan dari Amerika Syarikat (AS) hingga ke Eropah.

Paiche yang boleh membesar sehingga mencapai berat 100 kilogram dengan panjang lebih 2.5 meter sekali gus menjadi antara ikan terbesar di dunia dan makanan utama penduduk pribumi sejak zaman dahulu.

Kini, ikan itu diternak oleh sebuah syarikat di Peru, Amazone untuk tujuan komersial selain memulihara spesies berkenaan daripada pupus.

"Ia bagus untuk dimakan, rasa ikan ini enak hampir seperti rasa ikan siakap putih tetapi dengan tekstur yang lebih lembut," kata Jose Duarte yang bekerja sebagai cef restoran Itali, Taranta di Boston, AS.

Lebih popular dengan nama ikan Arapaima, Paiche adalah sejenis ikan maging.

Menurut beberapa orang cef, isi paiche mudah dilapah dan tidak mudah hangit apabila dimasak kerana kandungan kalogen ikan ini yang tinggi. - Reuters