Species Mantis religiosa - European Mantis

European Mantid, Praying Mantis

Nomina Insecta Neartica labelled it as Mantis religiosus

At Words by William Whitaker, "religiosa" translates to "religious" or "pious". Most certainly this is referring to the mantid's posture of holding its grasping forelegs, which do resemble clasped hands in prayer.

50-60 mm (including wings), which extend beyond abdominal tip. (1)

According to the Key to Florida Mantids:

"Front coxa with a large black-ringed spot near base, beneath; green color of tegmen not sharply confined to costal area."

The noted coxa black spots may, or may not, have a white center or bullseye. In some instances these spots are all dark.

Eastern U.S. into Ontario

Meadows, on foliage and flowers

Summer/Autumn

Diurnal insects, including caterpillars, flies, butterflies, bees and some moths.

Eggs overwinter in a flat mass attached to exposed twigs above the snow. They hatch almost simultaneously in the late spring. Nymphs are dispersed by wind or eat one another. Survivors are solitary. 1 generation matures in late summer or early autumn. (1)

From "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders" (1), p. 397:

This mantid was accidentally introduced in 1899 on nursery stock from southern Europe. At a time when Gypsy Moth Caterpillars were burgeoning in the eastern states, it was recognized almost immediately as a beneficial predator. However, mantids are so cannibalistic that they are rarely numerous enough to have much effect in depleting caterpillar populations.

"National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders" (1), p. 397.

"Peterson's Field Guide to Insects" (2), p.86.

"American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico" (3), p. 191.

University of Florida's Entomology Dept. - has a downloadable pdf version of a key to Florida mantids

Herper.com - has a list of mantid species in the U.S., with a breakdown of species by state