10-25-13 Botany and Insect Field Note

10-25-13 Botany and Insect Field Note

October 25, 2013

Teagan Hayes shares a Field Note that details fall colors and praying mantis.

Botany and Insect Field Note Teagan Hayes

The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is native to Europe, but it blends in well on a senesced balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata). Since its first U.S. introduction in New York in 1899, Mantis populations have expanded slowly westward. In colder western climates, mantids tend to thrive after mild winters.

A black-ringed white spot on the fore leg is a diagnostic feature of Mantis religiosa.

Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) leaves turn yellow on bright red petioles. Sparse leaves lend a view of goldfinches as they share a perch with a chipmunk.