We rarely see a praying mantis. This one stayed around the porch area for many days.
The European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) was designated the official state insect of Connecticut in 1977. The praying mantis is a green or brown insect that eats aphids, flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and moths. Not native to North America, but found throughout the state of Connecticutt, the praying mantis is a beneficial insect for farmers and a symbol of the importance of the natural environment..
