EarthSky Facebook friend Jacob Baker in Massachusetts posted these two photos of Chinese mantis yesterday. This mantis – native to China and other parts of Asia – was accidentally introduced to the United States by a nurseryman at Mt. Airy near Philadelphia in 1896. They’ve spread since then in grasslands, meadows and agricultural areas in the U.S. Gardeners appreciate mantises because they help control insects. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Chinese mantis was imported to North America for this reason, and farmers and gardeners still purchase their egg cases.
Read more about the Chinese mantis.
Thank you, Jacob!
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