Connecticut plumps for the Mantis Religiosa

There are three species of praying mantids in North America. The native Carolina , the European and the Chinese.

For some curious reason Connecticut have adopted the imported European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) as the State insect. This is the insect for whom sex for the males is a "once in a lifetime" experience and for the females is a succession of "one night stands".

Hoosiers want to make the Say's Light Bug the State Insect in a campaign organised by Purdue University. Say was an early chronicler of the State and light bugs with their fluorescent sparkling bums are collected by kids through the summer nights.

The idea of having a state insect is to highlight the importance of the insect world around us.

Contrary to popular belief mantis are not harmful to humans, they do not bite but have specially adaptedspiny forelegs to hold their prey. They are used as insectivores in greenhouses and the eggs can be supplied for about $1 each over the web.