What insect is hiding in plain sight in this photo.
The insect right in the middle of the photo that looks like a woody stem is a Carolina mantid (Stagmomantis carolina). The Carolina mantid is a native to South Carolina and is our official state insect. A few recognizable features of mantids include the long slender body, triangle-shaped head, and raptorial front legs. Mantids are excellent predators that feed on just about anything they can catch. Occasionally, that may include other predatory insects, pollinators, or other mantids. Read more about praying mantids here.
This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.
The South Carolina Grower 