TAXONOMY:
(View Orders)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
   Class:Insecta
    Order: Mantodea
     Family: Mantidae
      Genus: Mantis
       Species: religiosa

OTHER NAME(S):
Praying Mantis

CHARACTERISTICS: As the name suggests, European Mantids were one native to Europe and discovered in the United States by 1899. They are highly recognizeable creatures mainly by their unique shape but also by their green color. Their bodies are relatively large with four legs and two larger forward appendages (forelegs). Eurpean Mantids prefer a diet of insects and operate during the day. They make great "garden enforcers" because of their insect diet. For this very reason they were introduced into America by early gardeners.

ADULT SIZE (Length, not including legs):
50mm to 65mm (1.97in to 2.56in) (Compare Size)

IDENTIFYING COLORS: green; brown

Maine, Vermont, Delaware, Maryland, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Utah, California, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois

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