The European Mantis is a large, introduced praying mantid now common throughout much of North America, with a green or brown cryptic body and raptorial forelegs held in the characteristic prayer-like stance. It is a generalist ambush predator consuming a wide range of insects and even small vertebrates. A distinctive black-ringed blue spot on the inner foreleg is a field mark.
Best time to see a European Mantis
The best time to see a European Mantis is July–September, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 29,930 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a European Mantis? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent European Mantis sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an European Mantis?
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