From BugwoodWiki
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Chinese mantid |
Photo by Susan Ellis, , Bugwood.org
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Taxonomy |
| Kingdom: |
Animalia |
| Phylum: |
Arthropoda |
| Class: |
Hexapoda (including Insecta) |
| Order: |
Mantodea |
| Family: |
Mantidae |
| Genus: |
Tenodera |
| Species: |
aridifolia |
| Subspecies: |
sinensis |
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Scientific Name |
Tenodera aridifolia sinensis
Saussure 1871 |
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Introduction
Identification
Biology
As a biological control
The Chinese mantid, Tenodera aridofolia sinensis, is the only species of commercial trade. (The praying mantid/European mantid, Mantis religiosa, is not sold.) They are sold as egg cases (oothecae) each containing approximately 100-200 eggs. Adult Chinese mantids reach a size of about 4 inches and are the largest mantids found in North America. They are poorly adapted to surviving winter conditions in northern areas and may die out where winters are sufficiently harsh. Mantid egg cases are usually available only during spring through early summer. They are generalist predators of a wide variety of insects, including some beneficial species. Their effectiveness for control of pests is marginal, but they are striking insects that are an attractive complement to the garden.
Commercial Suppliers
