Large green preying mantis

[David777]

Yesterday after driving home from my election polling place, noticed something odd on our 4-plex wall while driving into my carport. So found it was a large green preying mantis species, California mantis, stagmomantis californica, the first I've ever seen in our urban neighborhood. Came back outside with my a6700 with 56mm lens on tripod then exposed this from maybe 18 inches away. The insect seemed to be somewhat lethargic but was moving about just enough that I could not focus stack so just used one f8.0 shot.

Stagmomantis californica - Wikipedia

 

[Don M.]

We get a few preying mantis in our area, every Summer. The ones we get are usually between 3 to 4 inches long. Years ago, when I was in Thailand, in the USAF, these bugs were very common, and often were about a foot long. We used to have fun with them by extending a screwdriver or stick in front of them, and letting them grab and wrestle with it. They are a "beneficial" bug that eats other bugs....spiders, etc., so we let them do their thing.

 

[Muskrat]

I love them .

 

[Warrigal]

Yesterday after driving home from my election polling place, noticed something odd on our 4-plex wall while driving into my carport. So found it was a large green preying mantis species, California mantis, stagmomantis californica, the first I've ever seen in our urban neighborhood. Came back outside with my a6700 with 56mm lens on tripod then exposed this from maybe 18 inches away. The insect seemed to be somewhat lethargic but was moving about just enough that I could not focus stack.

Stagmomantis californica - Wikipedia

She's got both eyes on you.

 

[debodun]

I saw one here last year. Different species.