Mantis macro!

[Stina3246]

I was out in my yard when i found this guy. I LOVE praying mantis'. They are not like normal insects. I think they are actually tiny alien life forms! Anyway...he was very cooperative and let me move him around to get different views. This is my favorite. The issue I seem to have on these extreme close ups is getting my camera to focus where I want. I tried all 3 settings. I have a Nikon D50 with an 18-55 lens and I can set it to Closest, Centered or Dynamic but no matter what it always chose the wrong spot as you can see. I even tried manual but with low lighting I was having a hard time. Also, DOF is very narrow. I tried a smaller aperture but again, with the low lighting it made the shutter speed too slow and I got camera shake. I have a screw on macro lens too but I haven't seen much difference using the macro instead of just the 18-55.
Any suggestions?
ALSO would you crop this any differently?

Nikon D50
18-55 lens
Focal Length 55mm
Exposure 1/60
F5.6
White balance aout
Flash was used
Focal Area "Matrix" or Dynamic

[boun]

Nice photo, I croped it I hope you don't mind, and this is what I got

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by boun

Nice photo, I croped it I hope you don't mind, and this is what I got

OOH...I like the crop. Thanks!!