Sightings – Mantises

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 10/8/08

Observation Time: 11:20 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road backyard

Common Name: Praying Mantis

Scientific Name: Mantis religiosa

Comments: Check out this enormous praying mantis I found in my raspberry patch today. It’s about 5 inches long. I wonder if it descended from the praying mantis egg cases we mail-ordered a few years ago to help control insect pests in our garden.

Mantises are ambush predators that only feed upon live prey within their reach. They either camouflage themselves and remain stationary, waiting for prey to approach, or stalk their prey with slow, stealthy movements. Larger mantises sometimes eat smaller individuals of their own species, as well as small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, and even small birds.

More Information: Wikipedia

Praying Mantis

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/30/13

Observation Time: 5:50 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road backyard

Common Name: Praying Mantis

Scientific Name: Mantis religiosa

Comments: This insect looks like it is praying, hence the name. It can swivel its head 180° to look for prey.

More Information: Wikipedia

Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/14/14

Observation Time: 10:00 a.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.

Common Name: Praying Mantis

Scientific Name: Mantis religiosa

Comments: This praying mantis was almost 4″ long. It could be a descendant of praying mantises that hatched from eggs we mail-ordered and released in our garden years previously.

More Information: Praying mantis love-making

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/4/20

Observation Time: 12:50 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Praying Mantis

Scientific Name: Mantis religiosa

Comments: Mantises are the only insects capable of turning their heads from side to side. Being able to turn its head without moving the rest of its body is a key advantage for a mantis when hunting, allowing for minimal movement as it sneaks up on prey.

More Information: Treehugger