Earlier this summer, we found a cluster of tiny praying mantis nymphs near our garage. Later, we found at least one empty egg case, from which we assumed the nymphs had emerged. I’m pretty sure the egg case was that of a Carolina mantis (native species) so I’m guessing the nymphs are of that species too, but I’m not 100% sure.
Regardless, the nymphs have grown since we first saw them, but are still only about an inch long. I’ve seen two of them this week, both on black-eyed Susan flowers in our prairie garden. The nymphs are too photogenic to ignore, so here is just a small sampling of the photos I’ve managed to get of these cute backyard residents.
The Prairie Ecologist 
So cute, so mischievous!
Great pictures of these precious creatures
Sent from my iPhone
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They are adorable! Haven’t seen Carolina mantids in decades… I’ve only seen the Chinese ones. Love your photos!
I am always amazed at how much more people like a praying mantis than many other insects, which seems to revolve (slight pun intended) around its ability to turn its head. Anything that is a bit more human seems to get an automatic cuteness pass!
😁✌️
I also like photis of a praying mantis. My fiance said he has always like them since he saw the old B&W Praying Mantis horror movie as a kid.