You guys gave me such a hard time for playing with that rattlesnake last year, that I just couldn't resist posting another slitherer on this year's creature pics.

No Terry, that is not my arm. This gal was walking down the sidewalk wearing her pet Boa (i think) like a bracelet. Alex stopped her to talk and let us touch it. Very weird sensation.

Now't so queer as folk!

'cept for thee and me , right?

Our son has pet snakes. He's had some boas that were HUGE! He didn't start this hobby until after he left home Wonder why - maybe because Mom would have said NOOOOOOOOO!

Bet he'd like my friend, Sticky, too.

eeeeeeeeeeee -- I don't know why but I'd MUCH rather have the snake on me. Praying mantis and walking sticks have always given me the creeps!

One of my best friends in high school had a boa and she and I use to take it for rides when we would go cruisin' (remember those days?). He was very friendly and I actually got to where I enjoyed having him meander across the seat to see me. :o)

I just found your Garden Creature section!! How neat :o)

I see its been a couple of months, but I have to throw two cents in on this one. When I lived in Houston I occasionally saw large walking sticks. Once a particularly large and fat one was on my screen door, probably a gravid female. I got it on a stick about the time my dog walked up, so I showed it to her. She of course sniffed it, and to my surprise she startled and recoiled, drawing back her lips, sneezing, and looking at me balefully as thou I'd played a really dirty trick on her. The scientist in me made me do it--I drew up my courage and sniffed. It was weird. Not as much a smell as a strong, burning sensation. Once was enough! It was obviously a protective repellant. My dog, as usual, accepted my profuse apology.

Open up any ol thread you like Sandra - this one inspired me to re read more of the old ones tonight. Wonderful to see them again.

I had no idea about the defense tactic of w sticks. Goodness - will chk it out at next op. I may have told the story about our pet praying mantis on the forum before, but don't think so.

It was in the first home I refered to in a recent newspaper column about bringing in summer-dried wild plants for bouquets. The praying mantis must have come in with my 'dried flowers'.

Oh dear, I think I did tell this before - but would never find it when I want to. So, anyway, he lived with us for several months, on the livrm curtains. We would bring moths in for him to eat. One night we forgot to feed 'Spot', so he crept down the hall (the only time ever) and stuck his head around the door frame with great purpose. Very creepy! Finally lost him in the Christmas tree - must have been his cunning escape plan.

That is funny! Would the praying mantis take the moths from your hand? Or did you disable them and put them on the curtain?

I would catch them as a kid and keep them for short periods in an "insect cage" my dad had made. I was so intrigued at the way they would quickly turn their heads to look at you, and sway gently back and forth.

Yes Yes, he took the live moths from our hands - just like yours must have It was a bonding thing, yes? Then he would rip off each leg, and eat them one at a time like hot dogs in his 'hands'. Ack. After a while, the 4 wings would come floating down, one by one. Bit unnerving for the uninitiated.

And just as you said, the eye contact and recognition and the swaying. They must be the most interactive insects to live with - therefore great pets, as far as insects go