Alternate name: California Mantid
Family: Mantidae, Mantids view all from this family
Description 2-2 1/2" (50-65 mm). Body long, slender; head triangular; antennae thread-like. Eyes large. Brown, yellow, green, or mottled green. 2 forelegs held in "prayerful position" for grasping prey. Wings of male extend beyond tip of abdomen; wings of female reach only to middle of abdomen.
Food The strong mouthparts can tear apart hard exoskeleton of prey: flies, bees, wasps, butterflies, caterpillars.
Life Cycle Active spring–fall. Female often eats smaller male after mating; encloses eggs in frothy masses on a plant stem.
Habitat Desert and other dry habitats; shrubby areas and coastal scrub.
Range Southwestern U.S. from Colorado to southern California, north into Central Valley.
Discussion The California Mantis is a member of the family Mantidae. These slender insects, 5/8-5 7/8" (15-150 mm) long, have a mobile triangular head, prominent compound eyes, and threadlike antennae. the elongated fore legs are adapted for grasping and holding prey. Long, slender middle and hind legs are used for walking, standing, and leaping. Mantids have the most flexible neck of any insect and are able to look for prey or danger at most angles.
