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CIRCULAR 3 4 6, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



rows of teeth, by means of which the prey is grasped. In the waiting 

 position these legs are held raised and folded and give the appearance 

 of an attitude of prayer. The native species (Phasmomantis Caro- 

 lina Joh.) illustrated in figure 15, occurs commonly in the southeast- 

 ern part of the United States. 



Two species are now becoming increasingly common in the North- 

 eastern States, these being the Chinese mantis (Paratenodera sinensis 

 Sauss.), accidentally introduced from Japan about 1896, and the 

 European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa L.), likewise accidentally 

 introduced into this country about 1899. 



Figure 15. — A partly grown praying mantid. Phasmomantis Carolina, in the typical 

 waiting position upon a twig. About natural size. 



The various species of mantids feed on a wide variety of insects, in- 

 cluding beetles, flies, aphids, and almost any others that come within 

 reach. They normally frequent flowers in search for food, and conse- 

 quently the flower-feeding insects comprise a large portion of their 

 prey. Studies have been made of the food habits of the Chinese 

 mantis, and these show that, while a great many injurious insects 

 are eaten, the insect most commonly captured is the honeybee. To 

 this extent, at least, the mantids may be considered as injurious rather 

 than beneficial. 



The eggs are laid in large masses upon twigs of trees and upon 

 briers and grasses. They are covered with a mass of frothy material 

 which hardens to form a tough, protective covering. These masses 

 are conspicuous and are often seen during the winter. 



