Species Insects & ArthropodsChinese Mantis

Chinese Mantis

Tenodera sinensis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)

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.

Habitat
Gardens, shrubby fields, roadsides, and forest edges
Diet
Adults and nymphs: large insects, spiders, and small vertebrates
How common
Common

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