Brunner's Mantis

(Brunneria Borealis) A very slender mantis, looking more like a walking stick, similar to the grass-like mantis, both which can be found in the southern United States. The Brunner’s mantis are green, pink, and winged at maturity, and recognized by their saw blade-like thorax, and thick antennae. They were first described by Scudder in 1896. This rare, but yet common insect, can grow up to 7 inches long.

Females are parthenogenetic, this means the female can breed successfully and no male is needed to fertilize the oothecae. Egg cases can be recognized by the point at one end. Her case will contain at least 15 nymphs. Nymphs hatch from the oothecae over a period of time, rather than all-at-once, 2 or 3 nymphs at a time within several weeks, or even months, all from the same exit, the elongated point. It is said that this species of mantis, males are not know to exist. Therefore, all nymphs will only be female.

Grass-like Mantis

(Thesprotia Graminis) These long and slender mantis have tiny heads, and skinny legs, making them resemble a twig. Even when endangered, they will stretch their arms to mimic a stick, often mistaken for walking sticks. They are found throughout the hot and humid areas of southern US, most common in Florida. Because of their tiny arms, the grass-like mantid can only prey on much smaller insects, such as flies and moths.

Adult males reach up to 2 inches, females are larger and can sometimes grow up to 3 inches. Adult males can be identified by the long visible antennae, as ones of the female are smaller, females are also wingless. A few weeks after mating, the female will lay her small oothecae, containing only up to 20 nymphs. She can deposit from 10 to 15 egg cases, each about every 4 days. After a few days, the deposited egg cases will turn slightly red. Nymphs will start their first molt in about 1 week after hatching, and their 2nd molt will follow in about 9 more days.