Report
Praying mantids : defenders of the home landscape?
Washington State University Extension fact sheet, 380E, Washington State University Extension
05/2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004770
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/122130
Abstract
Extension personnel and Master Gardener volunteers have identified adult mantids brought in by Washington residents to county and state diagnostic clinics. This diagnosis is rather easy as the mature insect is green or brown, measures 2 to nearly 3.5 inches long, and has raptorial forelegs armed with spines and held in the manner of hands folded in prayer. Often residents are relieved to hear that this large and distinctive insect is not a plant pest. This carnivorous insect preys on insects, spiders, and other arthropods in the home landscape. One frequent observation by Washington residents is, Why haven t I noticed all these mantids in my home landscape before? The probable answer is that the most common species of mantid now found in Washington State is not native to North America but is a European species intentionally introduced to control garden pests. The objective of this publication is to increase public awareness of the life and activities of praying mantids and their role as insect predators in home gardens and landscapes. Our information targets Washington residents, homeowners, Master Gardeners, as well as future students of the life sciences and entomology.
Metrics
30 File views/ downloads
83 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Praying mantids : defenders of the home landscape?
- Creators
- Linda Chalker-ScottMichael R. BushLagene F. Taylor
- Academic Unit
- Publications, WSU Extension
- Series
- Washington State University Extension fact sheet; 380E
- Publisher
- Washington State University Extension; Pullman, Washington
- Format
- pdf
- Identifiers
- 99900971638801842
- Copyright
- http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Report