Summerbug
Active member
I found a bunch of these BIG (4.5 inch plus) T. sinensis in the meadows along the Appalachian Trail (in Virginia)
Mantis silhouette & fall colors
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PrayingMantisPets
Well-known member
Lucky. Ive never seen a wild mantis before...
Summerbug
Active member
Back in mid-October, I took them into my home and measured them with a ruler. I have never seen them more than 4 inches long in the past. I was shocked that 2 of them topped out at 4.5 inches and the others were between 4 and 4.5 inches. It must have been an exceptional summer for finding food! I've been collecting them since 1998 and have never seen them so huge. The ones here in the suburbs are nowhere near that size! I find them in the meadows and along firebreaks. I go during "ideal conditions." Cool nights and sunny days that reach the 70s. If the days are too warm, I don't seem to find them. If it is too cool or over cast, I don't find them. I see them close to the ground hunting along the edges of the grasses or sunning. I don't go into the tall weeds (because I don't want to get ticks). I don't find them at all in summer. September and October are the best times.
