The Chinese Mantis is the largest mantid in North America, reaching 4–5 inches, and has a green stripe along the edge of its otherwise brown wings providing camouflage among dead grasses. Introduced from China in the late 1800s, it is commonly sold as a garden pest-control agent. Females are notably cannibalistic, often consuming males during or after mating.
Best time to see a Chinese Mantis
The best time to see a Chinese Mantis is July–October, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 38,456 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Chinese Mantis? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Chinese Mantis sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Chinese Mantis?
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