Praying Mantises are general predators that feed on aphids, beetles, caterpillars, chinch bugs, Colorado potato beetles, leafhoppers, hornworms, leafrollers, squash bugs, thrips, and whiteflies. They feed on what they can catch! They start off feeding on fruit flies and other tiny insects, and as they grow, so does their prey; as fully grown adults, grasshoppers are eaten. Adults are large (up to 10cm/4in.) green or brownish in color with papery wings.
Praying mantises are sent to you as an egg case. Egg cases will not hatch until about mid June when the weather is hot enough and the daylight hours are longer. All will hatch within about 1 hour – they will quickly disperse as they are very cannibalistic and the egg case remains unchanged. Each mantis will set up its own territory where it will live for the summer. They are very difficult to find in the garden because they are well camouflaged. Later in the summer they will fly to find a mate this is often when they are seen. Also, as the weather cools, they will sit out in the sun to warm themselves.
To witness an egg case hatching, hatch it inside and then release your mantis into your garden.
Size
Location
Botanical Name
Hardiness Zone
Plant Form
