Chinese Mantis

I was doing some yard work in our apple orchard when I came across this large Chinese Mantis. This is a species of praying mantis native to Asia and accidentally introduced to the area by a nurseryman at Mt. Airy, PA in 1896. This is the largest mantis species in North America and can grow to almost 5 inches. The Chinese Mantis is a common pet and can become tame enough to perch on one's hand and even be hand-fed.