Chinese Mantis

Description:

One of the most well-known and widespread species of the order Mantodea. Originating in southern Europe, it was introduced to North America in 1899 on a shipment of nursery plants. Now they are found all over the north-eastern United States and Canada to the Pacific Northwest. The Praying Mantis is usually 2–3 inches in length, and has shades of bright green to tan. Praying mantids are highly predacious and feed on a variety of insects, including moths, crickets, grasshoppers and flies and have been known to even catch Hummingbirds. They lie in wait with the front legs in an upraised position. They intently watch and stalk their prey. They will eat each other. The adult female usually eats the male after or during mating.

Habitat:

Praying mantids and /or their egg cases are very difficult to locate by just looking at plants because of their camouflage. To find adults, look on flowering plants and at porch lights in August through late September. Adult males will often fly to porch lights in the late fall. Home vegetable and flower gardens that are organic or where no insecticides have been used may be a good place to look.

Notes:

Hatched from egg case bought at garden center