FL species ID help needed

[Synapze]

One of my neighbors in NE Florida sent me a pic of this dead specimen she found on her property. She's seen more in her bushes. I'm certain it's not a Heterochaeta orientalis... any ideas? It's approximately 2-3 inches. The picture quality may not be clear enough to be useful.

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

thesprotia graminis?

 

[Synapze]

thesprotia graminis?

Thanks! That's kind of what I was thinking. Something about the eye shape throws me off. I'll be going on a "safari" this Saturday to see if I can find any more. She has a huge wildflower and woodland grass field about a acre. Hopefully I'll find something interesting. If I catch a bunch I'll share. I've never seen this species before. I'll give you first dibs.

 

[Montana_Mantids]

Let me know too! I’d love to see some more pictures of live ones.

 

[Synapze]

Let me know too! I’d love to see some more pictures of live ones.

If I don't get eaten by an alligator I will.

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

Apparently, a trick to finding some is you can spot them flying around in the grass, kinda like how moths do. Check iNaturalist

 

[Synapze]

Apparently, a trick to finding some is you can spot them flying around in the grass, kinda like how moths do. Check iNaturalist

Thanks! If it is indeed Thesprotia graminis maybe I'll only have to catch one.

I believe they are parthenogenic. I'll do more research. If I find other specimens, beetles, orange isopods, I'll post my catches.

 

[Montana_Mantids]

I’m pretty sure they are, but there are males, so you’d have to find a female.

 

[Synapze]

I’m pretty sure they are, but there are males, so you’d have to find a female.

I'm going to catch as many as possible so hopefully I'll get at least one female. Then again, with my luck I may catch 20... all males. I'm hoping to also find some Chinese females... one of my favs.