Jackson Tries to Tackle Large Mantis!!

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I have to admit, in absolute truth, that this is one of the most amazing video sequences of nature I have ever seen.  I mean ABSOLUTELY astounding.  My friends, Matt and Mary Lovein, have spent countless years studying EVERY aspect of the feral (introduced, and now wild) Jackson’s chameleons (Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholphus) of the Big Island on Hawaii.  This Chameleon, as we have talked about before- originated in Kenya, Africa and escaped captivity (or was released) around 1972.  Earlier, on Hawaii, settlers had already brought with them the Chinese Praying Mantis, Tenodera sinensis (definitely earlier then 1970′s but date unknown), which was a great natural control for pests of crops.  However, little did many people know then- this mantis was also introduced on purpose all over the U.S., that the Chinese mantis also ate beneficial insects such as honey bees.  I had these around my house as a boy in Connecticut, and they were rather common.  This mantis did its job to some extent, and in the long run didn’t build up in large enough populations to do any harm.  However, Hawaii has long worried about the Jackson’s chameleon, and its ability to eat almost any bug and reproduce rapidly. . .even Hawaii’s native (endemic) creatures were at risk. I’m sure some have been affected by the lizard’s population boom to some degree.  Some large specie of chameleons, and even some small ones- in Africa- eat LARGE prey items- and consume thing as diverse as scorpions and snakes.  In the case of Meller’s chameleon of Africa and Parson’s chameleon of Madagascar- small birds and mammals are also taken.  In this stunning video- we see a full grown female feral Hawaiian Jackson, the Lovein’s yard- attempting to feed on a full grown Chinese Mantis.  Both animals feral, one using the other as an apparent sustenance item.  But wait- not THIS TIME!!!  This is a case where SIZE did matter.  The video will speak for itself, however, I believe something occurred to help the mantis win (or call it a draw!) in this sequence.  I believe that where the Jackson hit the lizard with its ballistic tongue, affected the outcome.  Not getting the mantis into its moth at a “lethal” spot, the mantis was able to engage the lizard’s tongue rather soon after being “engulfed” by the sticky end of the tongue- that actually “wraps” around the prey item- in this case the mantis.  So, the mantis was grabbing the tongue with its modified front legs- the spines of the predatory legs holding on, and digging into the tongue.  This definitely helped in the chameleons decision to give up the first big jaw crush- the killing move.  Any damage to that tongue would spell death to the chameleon, it has to have that ballistic device to feed.  But I have to say that this attempt at feeding might never had succeeded anyhow.  The mantis was a huge meal, not much bigger then I’ve seen adult Jackson’s prey on, but definitely larger for an easy swallow.  I’d like to also add, that I have been “spiked” by a full grown female Chinese mantis, which this is- and it HURTS!  A lot!  So, can you imagine what this lizard felt on its soft tongue? Another thing to consider here is “learning.”  True chameleons do learn prey choice.  And I would bet that this lizard will not be shooting its tongue at another mantis too soon!!  The chameleons are great at visual recognition of their food items, so much so, that captive breeding and husbandry has been hampered by their propensity to choose one item over another- and to periodically switch.  As if they know what is good for them- and when.  Just SO COOL!!!

I think we’ll see much more of Matt and Mary’s work to come on a nature channel near you!!  Sure of it.  This stuff they are doing is just amazing- documenting the adaptations and daily life of a lizard that has worked its way into the imagination of the Islanders.

I’d love to hear from readers opinions here!  Was this a clear win on the mantis’ part, or a draw?

I would like to thank fellow nature lover Matt Lovein for his kind gesture to allow me to feature this fascinating look at true chameleon predation in the wilds of Hawaii.  Please visit there other great videos, and follow the Lovein’s adventures as they lead up to a great documentary one day.

Aloha and Mahalo.  NG.