No idea what it is

[Ishy]

I found this little guy or girl inside my condo last summer.
It politely posed for a couple of pictures in return for me keeping the cats away.
Afterwards I put it outside in some Ivy that was growing up a tree. I figured that was a safe place for it to be.
I don't know which species it is but I thought I would share as it's really pretty.

Ishy

Please click the photos to resize for better detail :)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2131/mantid1ng8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1029/mantid2rw3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Insectchat]

Hey Ishy,
Well that sure does look like a male European mantis (Mantis religiosa), with the under arm markings giving it away.
Nice find!

[hibiscusmile]

Humpt! looks chinese to me:D

[Insectchat]

I thought about Chinese Becky, although it seems they have deeper stripes down the sides of the wings.
Also, do they have the markings on the inner arm?

[Ishy]

Here are the other 2 pics I took if that helps any.
This was a little North of Portland, OR.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4319/mantid3gm5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7962/mantid4ev2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[hibiscusmile]

I dont remember about the arm, just looks chinese to me, I will post european tomorrow and compare, how's that?

[Andrew]

Its european...inner-arm markings confirm that.

[Ishy]

How would it be in Oregon? I hope it survived when I put it back outside. I thought I was doing the right thing - I hope I did.

Ishy

[Insectchat]

European are from all around the world...just like Chinese.
Yea, you were doing the right thing, don't worry.
Nice find though!

[hibiscusmile]

:eek:I must get my eyes checked:D