🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

With widespread Southeastern US distribution, Grizzled Mantids (Gonatista grisea) have a unique appearance.

It takes on a mottled green color that resembles tree lichen. Its camouflaging colors make it look distinct from most Praying Mantids which have uniform green coloring.

Grizzled Mantises are also some of the smallest types of Praying Mantis in the United States.

Only the largest bugs of the species measure up to 1.5 inches, while others measure around 1.2 inches.

This species is commonly seen in the Southeastern US areas with scrub hickory. The green and gray molted colors of the species help it camouflage itself on the bark.