I know this is 'probably' a California Mantis, as I am in California... but I see from the new Bug Files someone says they have Carolina Mantids in their garden out here. How do we tell the difference? This is a preying mantis found in my garden- it's about 3" long
Here's a smaller, brown one (I assume just younger?)- about 2" long
Here's another one from the yard.
Love your spelling "preying mantis." They certainly do prey! That's how they make their living. They're called praying mantis, though, becaus of the way they hold their front legs- as if they were praying.
Ahhh... makes sense. Sorry for the mispelling
That is a female Stagmomantis limbata.
