looks kinda low for antlerless deer in spring .... pick any other vermin.. coon... possum ... cat ... etc ... ignore it.. the tree will fix it ... protect it.. as noted above ... ken

Can you post photos of the damage? Failing photos, can you describe it more clearly? If it is small, semi-circular bits cut out of the edges, it's leaf cutter bees. If it's irregular holes in the middle of the leaf, it's probably one of several types of wasp or fly that also line their nests with bits of leaf for the larva to eat. Mostly, those cause cosmetic damage, and are harmless. Photos or a full description will help decide if it is actually nothing to worry about or time to hit panic stations!!!

praying mantis eats BUGS... its a predator.. and totally beneficial to your garden ... google should have told you that ... [momma is even known to eat daddy .. whats that all about????] you should start your own post.. in any appropriate forum .. as your questions cover many different plants ... as to the apple... if tiny ... under a foot or two.. it should have remained potted ... in proper planting media for a tree .... is this from seed from an apple you ate???? ... if so .. genetics tells us.. you might not end up with a good eating apple .... [hint, hint .. research that] or extremely protected ... if in mother earth .... i would have used a rose cone without a top for a year or two ... rake the soil around the plant.. in the evening.. and see if you can see any tracks in the morning ... think rabbit.. or droppings ... most bugs can not strip a plant bare overnight.. you would see chew marks on parts of leaves remaining ... so i am thinking something bigger ... squirrels ... tend to dig up young plants.. trying to look for whatever you hid under the soil.. idiots.. lol ... rather than eating the plant .... but you never know.. they are insane ... start your own post.. and add a pic.. if you want more than guessing ...and i am telling you to encourage you to start and join a new conversation... not chiding you for throwing this at the end of some very old post ... live an learn.. and we like to teach... so go for it... good luck ken

Is the bird allowed to roam freely in your home? If so, it could have shredded a few leaves. My friend's mom had a parakeet that they let out sometimes. When they weren't looking it often would shred the paper towel roll or a magazine. It didn't take long either, couple minutes of them not looking. It was like the bird watched them and as soon as their eyes were off it, zoom! shredding done, lol!