California Mantis (juvenile male) (Stagmomantis californica)

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Photo by Annika

Published on Project Noah

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32.9628, -117.036

Field Notes

Description:

This praying mantis was spotted on shrubbery in late afternoon; it caught what appears to be a beetle and rapidly ate it (first two photos). Approximately two inches long, it appears to be a male due to the presence of seven abdominal segments. It also lacks wings and is a bit smaller than the average adult of the species, so it is likely a juvenile.

Habitat:

Backyard low-lying shrubbery, partially shaded, in southern California.

Notes:

The prey can be seen in the first photo as the black and red creature held in the mantis's forelegs. The two antenna pointing away from the mantis's body belong to the prey.