With some alarm, I read that female mantises have only six abdomen segments, while males have eight. Doing a quick count, I see that Loretta has more than six. However, after another search, it appears that gender will not be determined till maturity.

Still hot and oppressive tonight, so it seemed the right time for a Krispy Kreme frozen blend. By the time I got home, it wasn’t so frozen, and I was mostly surprised at how thin it was. Some milk products make me itchy, and about five minutes was all it took to make me realize I’d better not finish this. Tasted vaguely coconutty, but not in a good way.

That ring on the desk is from the chocolate gelato last night. Stuff melts. Stuff is messy.

If she makes it to maturity, she will be the length of my hand.

I keep her in a plastic container, and her preferred stance is to perch on the walls. Somehow she has been able to get a grip, and is able to catch her meals in that position. Lately, she has bulked up a bit, and keeps falling. When she’s on her back, she has to scramble to get upright (I usually lend a hand). When she doesn’t eat, she is either getting ready to molt or recovering from one.

I left her with six lively flies, but she is not interested. She just wanted to come out and play. Perhaps she is ready to molt again.

The one I didn’t see the other night due to the heat, American Rhapsody. But it’s uncomfortably warm now, so I might just watch part of it. Homeburgers for dinner, and possible some of the Costco vat of potato salad, which I tried at lunch, and didn’t really like much.

They are beginning to spiral up the poles.

No katydids inside. I think the mom and pop birds have removed every living insect from the yard.

If your usual sky viewing is marred by light pollution, patchy fog, or a host of other obstacles, fear not. Here’s a list of live webcasts for the event.

The lab that produced the dioxin used to poison Viktor Yuschenko has been discovered in Ukraine. The investigation on the plot to kill him continues.

Observers of catfish in tanks say their behavior becomes highly agitated before a quake. Others rely on signs from the nemunoki or sleeping tree, or look up for earthquake clouds.

In Japanese legend, Namazu is controlled by Kashima, whose attention is distracted from time to time. When that occurs, Namazu throws himself around, churning the world with his violent movements.

There will be three variants of this fighter jet from Lockheed Martin.

The heat certainly helps, as some move past the gangly, sparse stage. Not explosive yet, but I have my fingers crossed.

In the rainforests, researchers find 35 new species of frogs .

On the down side, 17 species of frogs are now extinct, and 11 others are endangered.

The tool of choice for djs may change from the turntable to the very portable laptop. Not having to transport cumbersome vinyl collections from gig to gig is a real plus for some.

The process of melting ice has been poorly understood up until now. Scientists reveal today that they have seen the molecular mechanism that starts the premelt stage.

Will this knowledge help make the ice in your drink last longer on a three-digit temperature day? One can only hope.

Scientists are surprised to find that myxobacteria come to the aid of their less fortunate brethren by donating Tgl proteins , which enable them to move about.