Other Common Names
Northern Grass Mantid, Walking-stick Mantis
Identification
Similar to Grass Mantid, but has distinctive fine serations along sides of thorax, is larger, and reproduces by parthanogenesis; males are unknown. Thick antennal base characterizes this species. Wings reduced--flightless.
Range
Southeastern United States: North Carolina west to Texas
Habitat
Meadows with tall grass, especially Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium.
Season
Brimley
(1) lists records for September and October in North Carolina.
Food
Predatory, likely preys largely on orthoptera
(2).
Life Cycle
Only females known--reproduces by parthenogeneis. Juveniles all escape through the elongated point of the egg case
(2).
Print References
Taber, pp. 209-210, fig. 173--photo of specimens
(2)
Helfer, p. 28, fig. 40
(3)
