The European Mantis is a large, introduced praying mantid now common throughout much of North America, with a green or brown cryptic body and raptorial forelegs held in the characteristic prayer-like stance. It is a generalist ambush predator consuming a wide range of insects and even small vertebrates. A distinctive black-ringed blue spot on the inner foreleg is a field mark.
Habitat
Gardens, meadows, roadsides, and shrubby areas
Diet
Adults and nymphs: insects, small frogs, hummingbirds, and other prey
How common
Common
Recent European Mantis sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a European Mantis? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free