The Chinese mantis, Tenodera aridifolia, is native to Asia,
particularly Japan, India, and Indonesia. It was introduced to
the United States by humans in the late 1800s. It is now a
common species throughout the United States, especially the
eastern United States and California. Tenodera aridifolia is now
found throughout most of Asia and has also been introduced into
Australia. It is common in the Oriental and Nearctic regions.
(Mazer, 2004; Hurd, et al., 2004; Jensen, et al., 2009) Tenodera
aridifolia is the most widespread and abundant mantis species in
temperate zones. This species usually is found in grasslands,
meadows, agricultural fields, woodlands, and adjacent to rivers
and streams. It is common in humid habitats. The Chinese mantis
inhabits a broad range of land in various stages of succession,
most commonly in old-field ecosystems. It spends much of its
time on herbaceous plants and woody shrubs and also can be found
near flowers. (Beckman and Hurd, 2003; "Chinese Mantis", 2012;
Maxwell, et al., 2