European or “Praying” mantis (Mantis religiosa) has been the official state insect of Connecticut since October 1, 1977. The praying mantis is not native to Connecticut, however, as it comes from Northern Africa and Southern Europe. It was introduced in the United States in the 1890s as a way to control pests in the garden and is even kept as a pet. Unfortunately, this mantid also feeds on a large number of beneficial pollinators and other native insects, including caterpillars, moths and butterflies. It can consume prey up to twice its size. I have not been a fan of them since I was a teenager and stumbled across a description…