Beastars: A Steep Fall From Light

Chapter 3: Old Friends and Beetle Food

"She really is a beauty, isn't she?" the hyena asked rhetorically, admiring the Idolomantis diabolica on his hand. The insect sat perched on it's handler's knuckles, its compound eyes seemingly staring at the animal, though Legoshi knew the creature was actually staring at everything around it.

"You know most people buy the Devil's Flower Mantis for their looks," the hyena continued. "And they are nice to look at. But I'm buying her for another reason entirely."

"And what is that?" the shopkeeper asked, glad that someone was making conversation in the usually quiet store.

"She's the perfect predator," they responded. "She stands in plain sight. Perfectly hidden, yet in view of everything. And she's very patient. She doesn't move until she's ready to strike!"

At this he pounded the counter and the insect rose into its defence pose.

"And they know how to put on a display," he finished, noticing the threatening posture. "Sorry, I can get a little over excited."

"Well I thank you for patronage," the mandril said. "And look forward to seeing you again. To buy her future meals."

The hyena placed the mantis back into the small carrying container and took up another case of crickets.

"If you want to get technical," Legoshi butted in. "Spiders are a more perfect predator, given they've been around for three hundred eighty million years and praying mantids have been around for only a hundred thirty seven million."

"Well if you want to get even more technical," the hyena smiled, liking a little friendly competition among bug enthusiasts. "Spiders are arachnids and praying mantids are insects. They each, in their own right, are the perfect predator for their respectful groups."

"But it doesn't matter," Legoshi countered. "The spider has one advantage."

"And what is that?"

"The mantid can neither spin, nor escape from silk."

The hyena squinted.

"So if the mantid gets caught..."

"You got me there sir," the hyena gave in. "I still won't change my mind, but you make a good point."

"And we haven't even brought up centipedes," the owner added.

"Listen I would love to hang around here and discuss this but I have places to be today," the hyena chuckled.

"Very well sir," the owner chuckled back, giving a funny little salute. "Have a great day."

"You too," the hyena said over his shoulder as he exited through the door.

"The usual I see Mister Legoshi," the mandril noted, gesturing to the box of powdered nutrients to sprinkle on the fruits and vegetables given to the insect.

"Yes Mr. Anishi," Legoshi answered, putting the box on the counter.

"And how is that rhinoceros beetle holding up?"

"She's holding up real nicely."

"Well that's good to hear. They can get a bit feisty during these summer months, so I just wanted to make sure everything was good. Need a bag?"

"No. It's just the one thing," he said, taking back the small box and slipping it in his pocket.

"Okay," Mr. Anishi smirked. "Have a great day!"

The mandril saluted and the wolf returned the gesture as he left the bug shop.

Legoshi walked down the street, back to his apartment in The Hidden Condo. In the warm summer air. A slight breeze wafted down the streets and ruffled his fur, sending a shiver up his spine. He had the day off from work and had decided to get a new box of Beetle Growth powder for Aki, his pet rhinoceros beetle. It wasn't necessary for the insects survival, but it gave her a little boost that was noticeable in her behavior. She moved around her tank a bit more and flew around when Legoshi took her out rather than just remaining perched on his hand.