Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Tenodera sinensis (Saussure, 1871)
Syn: Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Saussure, 1871)
Size
The largest species in North America, it can reach 11 cm.
(1)Identification
The facial shield (plate below antennal insertion and between the eyes) is relatively wide and narrow (width is more than 2X its depth) in Stagmomantis (1, 2 and 3), more squarish (width less than 1.5X its depth) in Tenodera sinensis (4 and 5)
Range
e NA plus scattered w. US locations (BG data); eastern Asia and nearby islands
(1)Season
mostly Summer and Fall (BG data)
Food
Carnivorous, eats other insects, both pests and beneficials. Also capable of eating small animals like frogs, lizards and even
hummingbirds!
Life Cycle
1. Ootheca. 2. First instar nymph. 3. Older nymph 4. Adult female. 5. Adult male
Remarks
Introduced from China in 1896 to combat pests.
(1) It out competes many of the native preying mantises, which are in decline.
See Also
Compare with
T. angustipennis, the Narrow-winged Mantid, as both are similar in appearance.
(2)Print References
"Peterson's Field Guide to Insects" p.86-87.
(3)
"Garden Insects of North America" p. 554-555.
(4)
"National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders" p.398, pl.298.
(5)
Bartley, J. A. 1982. Movement patterns in adult male and female mantids, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Orthoptera: Mantodea). Environmental Entomology 11(5): 1108-1111.
Eisenberg et al. 1992. Adult dispersal of Tenodera aridifolia sinensis (Mantodea: Mantidae). Environmental Entomology 21(2): 350-353.