Kip’s Comments - October 9, 2025

A Disturbing Fact About A Threatening Looking Creature

Since my last post Kristy found what we thought was an ordinary praying mantis.

Well, not everything is what it seems. While doing some research I learned that yes, this creature is a member of the praying mantis family, but it is actually a “Chinese mantis” - an invasive species that threatens our native mantis - the Carolina mantis.

The differences are several with the most noticeable difference being a size variable. Carolina mantis are only a couple of inches long while this beast was at least five inches long. Also - the Chines mantis has the noticeable stripes on the face as seen here.

Chinese Mantis - Image 1033136

This critter allowed many images to be recorded. I took the standard full body shot followed by the portrait image.

Chinese Mantis - Image 1033151

Then the mantis turned its head to look away revealing its vulnerable neck region (notice the whiskers). After seeing those tender areas, I now know how the female can behead the male after mating, assuming she gets her biting parts into the soft tissue.

Chinese Mantis - Image 1033161

I did not flip this over to determine its gender. Having been bitten by a mantis in the past, I opted not to repeat that painful experience. I am quick learner sometimes - at least when pain is involved.