THE ORTIIOl'TERA 



79 



The Mantids arc carnivorous, feeding on flics and other insects and 

 are therefore beneficial. Fifteen to twenty kinds occur in the United 

 States, particularly in the south, but the group is mainly found in tropical 

 countries where it reaches its greatest development and includes some 

 remarkable forms. 



Mantid eggs are laid in cases composed of a thick material which 

 quickly dries. They are usually laid in the fall and hatch the following 

 spring. Some of the cases are very noticeable, being an inch or more 

 long. They are usually attached to plant stems (see Fig. 51). 



Fig. 50. Fig. 51. 



Fig. 50. — Common American Mantis {Slagomanlis Carolina L.) waiting for it.s prey. 

 Slightly reduced. {Original.) 



Fig. 51. — Egg case of common American Mantis, natural size. {Original.) 



The most common Mantis {Stagomantis Carolina L., Fig. 50) is found 

 as far north as southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. It is about 

 two and one-half inches long when adult, green or brown, or a mixture 

 of the two colors, and is found not only on plants but also often on 

 houses, sheds or in other places where it may obtain its prey. It locates 

 in isome spot, then raising its prothorax and head somewhat, with its 

 fore legs partly extended, quietly waits until an unwary insect comes 

 within its reach. When this happens, a quick motion of its fore legs and 

 the prey is seized, the spines aiding in holding the insect, which is then fed 

 upon. 



In 1897 a Mantid from China (Paratenodera sinensis Sauss.) was dis- 

 covered near Philadelphia where it appears to have successfully estab- 

 lished itself. It is much larger than the common native Mantis, being 

 about four inches long. In 1899 the common European Mantis (Mantis 

 reUgiosa L.) was found near Rochester, N. Y., where it appears to be 

 quite common. It much resembles our native form but is slightly larger 

 (Figs. 52 and 53). 



