Finding Praying Mantids

[InsectCollector]

Hello. I have never had the experience of finding a praying mantis/mantid before. So far, the past few weeks I have been researching about feeding and taking care of them. I have also been looking for them in parks. Have any of you found a mantid in the wild before? And, if you can, do you have any tips to offer? Thanks!

 

[LauraMG]

My experience is they tend to be in overgrowth type areas, but they can show up in random places too. It's getting to be the good season for hunting!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

look in waist high Fields that have some smallish trees and Busch's. I found 7-8 here in Michigan in past few years, but good luck they are masters at not being seen. they do sun themselves in the early morning on wood or metal objects.

 

[JoeCapricorn]

At the PA Rennaissance Faire yesterday I found a few bushes that contained 6 mantises I spotted right off the bat. Once you know where to look, it almost becomes second nature to find where they are at. If you do find a good source, don't take all of them, leave many, so every year you can come back to that spot and observe each new generation of mantises.

 

[Vore]

I can't seem to find any in my area either. But just across town, they're apparently scattered throughout my friend's neighborhood.

 

[Rick]

Weedy areas, overgrown fields, overgrown fencelines, etc. If you walk into the weeds and you see tons of other insects you can bet mantids will be there too.

Here are some of my trips collecting last year. May give you an idea:

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=15886&st=0&p=112602&fromsearch=1entry112602

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=15727&st=0&p=110953&fromsearch=1entry110953

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=15561&st=0&p=108697&fromsearch=1entry108697

 

[InsectCollector]

Thank You! I will keep you updated with the search!