European mantis

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = European mantis | image = European_mantis.png | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Arthropoda | classis = Insecta | ordo = Mantodea | familia = Mantidae | genus = Mantis | species = M. religiosa | binomial = Mantis religiosa | binomial_authority = Linnaeus, 1758 }}

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is one of the most common species of the order Mantodea. Originating in southern Europe, the European mantis was introduced to North America in 1899 on a shipment of nursery plants. Now they are found all over north-eastern America (east of the Mississippi River) to the Pacific North West. The European mantis is usually 2-3 inches in length, and has shades of bright green to tan. It can be distinguished easily by a black-ringed spot beneath the fore coxae. Image:Mantide religiosa Marius 050925.jpg