SOME  PRAYING MANTID INSECTS FROM Southern California 

Most modern-day authorities refer to these insects as “praying” mantis, not as “preying” mantis. The word “mantis” in Greek means “prophet,” thus the spelling as “praying” is justified. Nevethess, the mantis is an excellent predator, thus the “preying” name is also very appropriate. So who knows what they will be called in the future? According to Wikipedia (2024), there are 2,500 species, 460 genera and 33 families of mantids (also called mantises). 

The oldest fossil record of mantids [Santamantis axelrodi] is known from northeast of Brazil and is Late Early Cretaceous (110 million years) in age [Albian Stage], thus predating the appearance of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Fossil mantids occur in amber. These early mantids are closely related to cockroaches and most likely descended from them.

Three mantid specimens I found in my garden are shown below:

?Iris oratoria, (an adult, 3.5 inches length), from leaf/bark litter, Southern California. This specimen is the “Mediterranean mantis,” which was introduced into California from the Mediterranean area, probably in the 1930’s. 

Stagommantis californica [green variety], (1 and 1/2 inches length), this species is native to the western United States.

Juvenile mantis (0.5 inches length), identification indeterminate, Southern California.

The praying mantis is the only insect in the world that can turn its head nearly 180° (similar to an owl). They have excellent vision, and they are the only invertebrate that can see in 3D. They have five eyes plus three smaller eyes that can detect only light and motion. Also, the praying mantis is among the giants of the insect world and can be up 4 inches in length.

The praying mantis is an ambush predator, and they will eat anything they can; including small-sized reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mice. The praying mantis can jump forward and catch food in its forelegs, which are called “raptorial legs.” Some of the leg segments contain interlocking spines that make it impossible for the prey to escape, once caught. Reportedly, they can give a person a hurtful bite, so, if you must, handle them carefully. But, they are not venomous. The praying mantis eats other insects, especially beetles, crickets, caterpillers, moths, aphids, etc.

 

They are masters of camouflage. They can green, brown, or both in order to blend in with their surroundings. They like to live in gardens and shrubbery.

Four species of praying mantis are known to live in Southern California, and one of these was accidentally introduced from the Mediterranean region (Hogue, 2015). 

References: 

Hogue, C. [revised by J.N. Hogue]. 2016. Insects of the Los Angeles Basin, 3^rd ed. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. 477 pp.

Wikipedia 2024 (www.en.wikipedia.org)