Mantises aren’t known for being great swimmers—we can climb trees and bushes all day—but swimming? Nuh-uh. So when I decided to go for a dip I had to prepare myself first.

I put floaties on my front legs, an inner-tube around my thorax, and waded into the shallow-end of the pool. I had just started to let myself float a little deeper when a water beetle bumped into me yelling "Marco?!"

Before I knew it, three of his buddies whizzed past yelling "Polo!" All their splashing made my inner-tube take on water. I got nervous and got out of the pool.

And I’m so happy I did! Just as I hung up my floaties, Luckie the ladybug announced a hot dog eating contest. Of course I entered, and I won! The water beetles can keep the pool—I’m happier around the barbecue pit.