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California Mantis

Stagmomantis californica

Photo by BareFeat
Published on Project Noah
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39.1599, -121.753

Field Notes

Description:

**2 1/4 " body long slender; head triangular; thread like antennae
Brown or mottled green
2 legs held in "prayful position" for grasping prey
Long wings, Eyes large, Most flexible neck of any insect; (able to look for prey or danger at most angles.
Strong mouthparts can tear apart hard exoskeleton of prey; (flies, bees, wasps, butterflies, caterpillars) Female often eats smaller male after mating. Eggs inclosed in frothy mass. Mainly aboreal.

Habitat:

coastal Sage, dry shurby areas

Notes:

Thinking he is a male. After I went to look at the photos i realized he was looking at me every second i was snapping away. Even the pictures of his back, you can see those beady little eyes checking you out. Very cool.
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** Audubon Field guide to California

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