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Project Noah Nature School
Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
A large green praying mantis.
Native to China, but introduced to the United States in 1895 as a form of pest control. They like grassy or wooded areas with lots of shrubs and vegetation. This particular mantis was living in a large drainage pond that had been overgrown with reeds, cattails, and wildflowers.
Excellent camouflage. I almost didn't see it hiding there. Their egg sacks are called ootheca.
Spotted on Sep 5, 2012
Submitted on Nov 14, 2012
1 Comment
Hi Jessica! Nice series! The Mantis in your photos looks like a male.