Insects and Spiders - invasive

European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) on Aug 5, 2021

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Preying mantis approximately 5 inches in length, bullseye marking to inner aspect of front legs.

Commentary

This is the European mantid, Mantis religiosa. They can range from tan to green. The dark markings under the front legs are diagnostic for the species. This species is capable of making an audible defensive stridulation (the squeaky sound).
This is the species often sold for “pest control” although they certainly aren’t much use that way (they’re more likely to eat bees). They’re interesting critters to watch. They are well established in the Pacific Northwest.

Most of the mantids you see in Oregon are exotic. The one native genus Litaneutria, ground mantids, is almost never seen. The species in Oregon should be Litaneutria pacifica.

Josh Vlach
Aug. 9, 2021, 3:44 a.m.