Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina)

Mothing Mantis

Some photograph moths; others eat them.

A male Carolina Mantis  (Stagmomantis carolina), a native species found throughout most of North and Central America.  Many consider mantids beneficial insects, though they're really indiscriminate predators and will eat just about anything they can catch.
(BugGuide Species Page)

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Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina)

Another Robber Fly

Robber Fly (Genus Ommatius)

Perched on a bare twig, a pose typical of males of this genus. The definitive genus characteristic is that all members of Ommatius have antennae that are slightly branched (feathered) like those of a moth, a feature that's close to impossible to see while in the field, but can be seen in one of the photos on Herschel Raney's Ommatius page. Feathered antennae among robber flies are unique to this genus.

Another Robber Fly

Robber Fly

Robber Fly (Taracticus octopunctatus)

Thanks to Herschel Raney for IDing this specimen that showed up under our porch light. Like all other members of Family Asilidae, this little robber fly is a predator.

Robber Fly