Thesprotia graminis

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Thesprotia graminis, the American grass mantis, is a mantis native to the Southern United States. It has been found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. It is usually light brown and blends well with pine needles and grassy areas.

Key facts
- Reproduction: Can reproduce sexually or by parthenogenesis (asexually). Recent studies show a semi-iteroparous pattern, with some individuals laying only one egg case and others laying multiple. Eggs are laid in frothy oothecae that harden for protection; a female averages about 3.67 oothecae, and later ones are smaller.
- Life cycle: Mantids are hemimetabolous—egg, nymph, then adult. First instar does not feed; second instar begins hunting. Females molt seven times, males six.
- Size and wings: Adults are typically 47–56 mm long, sometimes larger (one specimen reached 60.5 mm). Only adult males have wings.
- Appearance: Triangular head with small black spots above the eyes; long antennae (longer in males). The posterior part of the pronotum is 3–4 times longer than the anterior part. The forelegs have one large dorsal spine.
- Camouflage: They resemble pine needles and other vegetation, helping them hide. They sway their front legs to stay camouflaged.
- Diet: They eat a variety of prey, including flies, moths, small beetles, other insects, spiders, and sometimes other mantids.
- Habitat: Beyond grasslands, they live in pine stands, thickets, and areas with Spanish moss. Their camouflage helps them in various ground cover.
- Hearing: Nymphs and adults have tympana (hearing organs) on the underside of the chest.
- Behavior: Sexual cannibalism is not well documented for this species.