Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Order	Mantodea
Family	Mantidae
Subfamily	Mantinae
Tribe	Polyspilotini
Genus	Tenodera
Species	Tenodera aridifolia

Scientific Name

Tenodera aridifolia sinensis

Common Name

Chinese mantid

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

Company	State	Country
A-1 Unique Insect Control	CA	USA
ARBICO Organics	AZ	USA
The Beneficial Insect Co.	NC	USA
BioLogic Company	PA	USA
Buglogical Control Systems	AZ	USA
Evergreen Growers Supply	OR	USA
Extremely Green Gardening Company	MA	USA
Gardeners Supply Co.	VT	USA
Great Lakes IPM, Inc.	MI	USA
Greenfire	CA	USA
The Green Spot Ltd.	NH	USA
Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery	CA	USA
Hydro-Gardens	CO	USA
Integrated Fertility Management	WA	USA

Company	State	Country
Nature Insect Control (NIC)	ON	Canada
Natural Pest Controls	CA	USA
Natures Control	OR	USA
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply	CA	USA
Planet Natural	MT	USA
Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc.	CA	USA
Territorial Seed Company	OR	USA
Tip Top Bio-Control	CA	USA