can someone ID?

[charleyandbecky]

Hi...sorry this picture is blurry. Can anyone ID this mantis for a friend of mine? Found in Monterrey, CA.

 

[cloud jaguar]

That is a pretty poor pic but I would guess it is a Mediterranean Mantis (iris oratoria) based on the wing coloration. It does seem to have very long wings though - so, if it is a mantis, it is probably a male.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Is a mantis, but cant say what.

 

[charleyandbecky]

I know...I wish the picture was better but I think it was taken on a cell phone. Thanks!

 

[PhilinYuma]

A wall mantis?

 

[idolomantis]

Could be Iris oratoria.

This is a pic from bugguide.net:

and seeing the colors on it's wings compared to your pic, i'd say it is.

 

[Ntsees]

What happened to that Iris oratoria? It looks like it had a mismolt. Either that or something tried to make lunch out of it (the forewings are missing).

 

[PhilinYuma]

What happened to that Iris oratoria? It looks like it had a mismolt. Either that or something tried to make lunch out of it (the forewings are missing).

Makes the identification nice and easy, though!

 

[charleyandbecky]

Thanks, all! I'm going to email my CA friend back and tell him iris oratoria. He'll be happy to have an ID. He mentioned the wings looked odd. I don't know if he took it home or not.

Thanks again. I love this forum...what a great resource!

Rebecca