While out near the swamp milkweed today, I caught sight of an out-of-place swath of green on the fence.
I found myself eye-level with this little mantid. I’ve seen praying mantids on The Lot before, but not one so very tiny.
While trying to identify this mantid, I discovered there are 2 types of mantids found in Michigan. The Chinese mantid (Tenodera sinensis) and the European mantid (Mantis religiousa) were both introduced species. With the adults being 3.5 inches and 3 inches respectively, I was beginning to suspect this little one was not fully grown.
It’s Incomplete
Praying mantids go through incomplete metamorphosis. The insect has 3 stages of change in its life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Nymphs are smaller versions of the adult, sans the wings. So, I am in no way an entomologist, but I believe the small mantid was actually a nymph. However, I’m not sure if it was a Chinese mantid nymph or European mantid nymph.
I also believe he or she was lurking near the swamp milkweed in hopes of catching one of the many insects buzzing around the stand of plants. Nymphs have the same food sources as adults. Since last reading about mantids, I’ve learned mantids will eat more than pests. They don’t mind a bee or other beneficials once in a while too.
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