Mantidae

Tenodera sinensis – Chinese mantis

We estimated this one was 5-6” long.

Although he is non-native, mantids are good insect control for gypsy moth caterpillars and aphids. They do feast on other insects as they are carnivores and successful predators. They hunt by camouflaging themselves among plants and ambushing their prey.

Most mantids are tropical with no species common north of the United States. They overwinter in the egg stage. Most mantids rely on their coloration to obscure them from predators.