Invasive-species-predator
Guides
Mantis religiosa
European mantis, praying mantis
Mantis religiosa, the European mantis, is a large hemimetabolic insect native to Europe that has established widespread populations in North America since its introduction in 1899. It is distinguished by a diagnostic black spot with white center on the inner surface of each foreleg. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in shades of green, brown, and bluish-green. Females deposit brown, Styrofoam-like egg cases (oothecae) containing over 100 eggs that overwinter and hatch in spring. Sexual cannibalism occurs, with females sometimes consuming males during or after mating.