While back in my old office today for a meeting, someone pointed out a praying mantis perched on the outer glass of one of our harborside windows. It started to rain just before I started taking pictures, so Ms. Mantis is cowering from raindrops, not the camera.

Then after tonight's dinner at the local 50s diner, my wife spotted a big juicy spider on a web under a stop sign. For dramatic effect, I composed a street light behind the critter.

In both shots I had the camera about 2" away from the subject. My wife reminded me to be careful as spiders are known to jump, but the risk was worth it for hiptop Nation.

It's a treat to spot some nature in the city.

- mike lee - baltimore