Chinese mantis
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 Chinese mantis eating a bumblebee
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| Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure, 1871 |
The Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) is a species of mantis. Originating from China, they were first introduced to North America around 1895 as a source of pest control. Since then, the species has spread throughout much of southern New England, and the Northeast United States. The Chinese mantis looks like a long and slender praying mantis, with different shades of brown. The adult has a green lateral line down its wing. It is typically larger than most other mantises, growing up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
Their diet consists of caterpillars, butterflies, wasps, bees, crickets and moths. Like other mantids, they are known to be cannibalistic.
Males are usually green all over, but females are brown with the lateral stripe. When looked at during the night, you may notice that their eyes are black, but during the day they are more clear than black.
Culture
Developed in China in the mid-1700's, Praying Mantis kung-fu is based on the quick movements and techniques of the Praying Mantis.
 Young Chinese mantis on a baby's hand |
 Female Chinese mantis |
[edit] Sources
Use caution when small children are around. There have been reports of praying mantis' biting childrens fingers, which required them to get stitches.
