Summer of Creatures

This summer brought a good amount of creepy creatures we did not see our first year. I suppose this is related to living in the pseudo-country. Here were some of them (click on image for larger pic):
The Praying Mantas family. I saw at least three of these guys. Er, I think she's eating one of em. Fun watching them grow larger over the weeks.

Toads er Frogs, er Toads. Okay, not really creepy...until they all decided to die in my pond. Eww.

Garner Snakes. Found many of them living under the rocks when I installed the pump in the pond. Given that their not poisonous, we're letting them live...though, it will force me to rethink the fountain. Also had stepped on one with my bare feet. Again, makes me rethink how I walk outside.
The Argiope Spider. Saw two of them this year. Simply the most beautiful spider I've seen, yet creepiest at the same time. Their not lethal to humans, so again we let them live...Although I did get one with the lawn mower. Looked like a broken egg on the pavement.

Lastly, We had some type of black beetle (no pix) that seemed to creep from under the basement carpet. They only lasted about 2 weeks, but man was the vacuum busy during that time.

Oh, almost forgot the 1,000 some bees. No pic...go figure.