Alternate name: European Mantid Family: Mantidae, Mantids view
all from this family Description A large mantis; color ranges
from bright green to tan, wing extend beyond tip of abdomen.
Large compound eyes tan to chocolate-brown. Distinguished easily
by a black-ringed brown spot beneath the fore coxae (walking
legs). Similar Chinese Mantis and Carolina Mantis lack brown
spot. Dimensions 2-2 1/2" (50-65 mm) length with wings Food
Primarily diurnal insects such as caterpillars, flies,
butterflies, bees, and moths. Life Cycle Most species of mantis
engage in cannibalism, most frequently during mating season with
the female eating the male after mating. Eggs are laid in a flat
mass left to overwinter attached to exposed twigs above snow.
Eggs hatch in late spring almost simultaneously and Nymphs are
dispersed by wind or eat one another. 1 generation annually
which matures in late summer or early autumn. Habitat Meadows,
on leaves and flowers. Range Introduced. Found throughout
Eastern US n. to Ontario. West to Pa