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Praying Mantids

InsaneHawkJJP

HB Heisman
Apr 1, 2013
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Decorah
I’ve been seeing a lot of Praying Mantids in one of our restored prairies the last week or so. This is the first time I’ve ever seen them in our prairies, they could have been there and I just didn’t notice them. I counted 13 in just one little area yesterday. I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed an uptick in Mantids?

Mine are the Chinese Mantids, not native but still really cool looking and big, 3 to 4 inches long. They are amazing creatures and it’s fun watching them eat, I got a nice video of one eating a grasshopper. CSB


iu
 
You know it's Mantis, right?
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Well, this is not the first time I've looked like a dumbass. And it won't be the last.
 
On the mantis vs mantid topic,.. I believe the term "mantis" refers to very specific variety of this insect, while "mantid" refers to the entire genome...
You are correct sir. Both are generally accepted also, I just wanted to see if anyone would wrongfully call me out on it. Didn’t take long.
 
Hey OP…on a similar wavelength, we have been at our current shop for 23ish years. For about the last month, we have had so many sweat bees it’s almost unbearable at times. If you leave your windows open or operate equipment with the windows down said vehicle will be full of them. There haven’t been any major changes recently. Any reason for this? It’s not a bad thing I just find it interesting.
 
I'm surprised it took to the 4th post for someone to say something.

EDIT to say I'm dumb and will leave my shame for all to see.
Meh, you're not dumb. Both are right...it depends on the use.

In the context of the OP, both "mantis" and "mantid" can be used, but "mantid" is more specific and formal. Given the scientific tone and his mention of various species, "mantids" would be the more precise term. It just looks weird as $hit. LOL

I'm sticking with Mantis 'cause I'm edumacated in Florida, so it's more commensurate with my redneck heritage.
 
Hey OP…on a similar wavelength, we have been at our current shop for 23ish years. For about the last month, we have had so many sweat bees it’s almost unbearable at times. If you leave your windows open or operate equipment with the windows down said vehicle will be full of them. There haven’t been any major changes recently. Any reason for this? It’s not a bad thing I just find it interesting.
For starters, are you sure they are sweat bees? I know lots of people confuse hover flies for sweat bees.

This is a hover fly
iu


This is a sweat bee
iu


It could also be any other number of small bees or wasps or hornets.
I know western yellow jackets are a real pest this time of year, but those are much larger than sweat bees.
 
Meh, you're not dumb. Both are right...it depends on the use.

In the context of the OP, both "mantis" and "mantid" can be used, but "mantid" is more specific and formal. Given the scientific tone and his mention of various species, "mantids" would be the more precise term. It just looks weird as $hit. LOL

I'm sticking with Mantis 'cause I'm edumacated in Florida, so it's more commensurate with my redneck heritage.
I grew up calling them that also.
 
For starters, are you sure they are sweat bees? I know lots of people confuse hover flies for sweat bees.

This is a hover fly
iu


This is a sweat bee
iu


It could also be any other number of small bees or wasps or hornets.
I know western yellow jackets are a real pest this time of year, but those are much larger than sweat bees.
Interesting. Thank you for the correction. They look like the hover flies. They don’t sting but are out in droves. Only in the last couple of days have they dissipated somewhat.
 
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I refuse to believe I’ve been calling these things by the wrong name for 40 years.
 
Preying Mantis and walking Stick thick as theieves in Poweshiek Countmy this early fall....lots of bees on Sedum flowers as well. Only seen one Humingbird so far though.
 
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Praying Mantis and walking Stick thick as tmheieves in Poweshiek Countmy this early fall....lots of bees on Sedum floers as well. Only seen one Humingbird so far though.
There are reports of mantids eating hummingbirds. Coincidence? They have also been seen eating small lizards and frogs.
 
PSA- Be mindful to cover your beer or soda when tailgating this time of year. Wasp's will crawl in your can or bottle and you can get stung.

Types-of-Wasps.jpg
That picture makes me uncomfortable. I hate wasps. They're probably the one thing I am most scared of in real life.
 
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