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Praying Mantis

Sphodromantis viridis

Photo by McTurdles
Published on Project Noah
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40.0764, -74.1275

Field Notes

Description:

Leafy looking insect that actually looks like it's praying. So cool.

Habitat:

They love on every continent but Antarctica. They don't make nests or hives. They live on shrubs trees flowers and grass. They find homes where they can camouflage themselves.

Notes:

This is one of coolest yet creepiest bugs out there. And I'm pretty sure it is illegal to kill them. And they make a good biological pesticide. So put the in your gardens and greenhouses.

Species ID Suggestions

European Mantis

Mantis religiosa

Comments (2)

Cool find! I agree with Bennolbold. In addition to what he mentioned, Sphodromantis viridis is not known to occur in North America. The body shape and color is consistent with Mantis religiosa for sure. Check out the link I provided with the ID suggestion to compare to yours. Please consider adding this to the Marvelous Mantids of the North East mission: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/15738247
I think, this is not Sphodromantis viridis. For this, the body is too thin and she has two small spots on the wings. I can not see many details but I the left eye is dividet in two halfs by a little stripe. May be it is Mantis religiosa.
Photographed
PublishedAugust 23, 2013

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