dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

You are quite right Brenda about the human intervention in nature. It has not always turned out wrong as in the case of bringing Chinese Ringneck pheasants to America in, I believe the 1890's, but many times it has been disastrous as when nutria were introduced into Southern waters. They completely took over and are a pest and nuisance today.

Of course I was only joking about sending you some as I have only seen one in about 3 years now. Not too plentiful where I live.

Dennis

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

The Nutria have a history that includes Maryland.
In 1930 or so they were introduced into Louisiana, most likely by a grandson of a former Baltimore banker. He had purchased Avery island in the gulf in Louisiana. He went broke when the civil war ended. Avery Island is a salt mound. He sold salt to the South, so money now no good.
He then started to find a way to recoup his losses, starting a business salt curing hot peppers and selling the product. His name was McIlhenny. Tobasco, for the area the pepper grew, is the product. His son became a noted expert on alligators.
Story is that the Nutria were an experiment to see if they were a worthwhile fur source. It is coarse, never caught on. They escaped into Louisiana and became the leading fur bearer for a time. There are now millions in Louisiana.
In 1940 a scientist with fish and wildlife introduced them into Dorchester County Blackwater Marsh area. They have caused the loss of over 3000 acres of hard Marsh and are now bountied by the state.
Since the late 70's an eradication program has been in place, it seems to hold the population steady. They are from Argentina, cold areas. But harsh winter seems to hold down population. Now with a warming trend and milder winter's, what will the population do?
With fur out of Vogue, no market, what will the population do?
Man the meddler is constantly at work. Snakeheads are the latest, and huge catfish in the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers in Maryland.
Bill

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Dennis, it wasn't me who mentioned human intervention in nature, but I do agree we intervene too much.

I saw a few mantis the garden when we lived in Spain, they were green ones, I don't know about their species. They were delightful though.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

The ones I have seen have been green too. I know there are some that are brown but I don't think I have seen any.

Dennis

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

We have both here where I live...

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

That is a very generous offer Bill. I think sending them here would be risky, our post is not reliable and parcels get thrown about during their journey. Also, I don't have the right storage equipment for such treasures in our damp environment. I do intend to buy one sometime soon and will enjoy caring for it. Regarding their accidental releasing to the wild, I don't think they would survive our weather so would not become an environmental problem. Thank you again for the offer, someone nearer to you will be very lucky to have them. No doubt, I will come back to you for Mantis advice in due course.

Brenda

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Thank you. That brings up a point.
You likely have the three I mention. The Chinese mantid, Tenodera, male and female similar. Brownish with green edged outer wings. The European mantis, Mantis, female is mostly green and quite large. The male looks like the Chinese mantid. Easily mis-IDed.
The Carolina, cryptic Grey with color in hind wings. Only 2,5 inches OAL.

My offer of a Carolina mantid pinned specimen still stands.
Bill

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here is a link to mantids I have found locally...https://www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/albums/72157675929823152

napabob Loc: Napa CA

nice collection

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I grew up in Western New York State. It is a state where heavy snowfall in that area is a given every year. That is where I have seen most of my Praying Mantis. They must go underground, in a log or somewhere they are not bothered by the weather as it doesn't seem to bother them.

Dennis

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

I see the Praying, Mantis. And the Stagmomantis, the native, carolina.
I was mistaken about the Chinese, Tenodera, they are more northern, Maryland is in its lowest range.
Bill

MJPD Loc: Flemington, New Jersey

Green ones are Female, Brown are Male.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Would you care to document that rather vague statement. A book, article or other. I prefer other than Uncle John said.
Bill

MJPD Loc: Flemington, New Jersey

Mantis religiosa mating (brown male, green female)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Thank you. Mantis religiosa is clearly understood.
Bill