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Small Purple and Green Mantis Nymph in Illinois.
August 29, 2009
I found what seems like it may be an unusual mantis in my front yard. It seems like it is very small for this late in the season, and surprisingly purple.
The wing buds are fairly prominent, does that mean that this is the next to last instar?

immature Carolina Mantis

It is late August in Southern Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis.
I know nymph identification is tricky, but I thought I’d see if anybody had any thoughts, and thought you might like the pictures.
Bert in Illinois
Southern Illinois

Immature Carolina Mantis

Hi Bert,
We believe your mantis is a Carolina Mantis nymph.  There is a very close image that was posted to BugGuide this week from Pennsylvania.  Perhaps one of our readers can confirm or deny.

Immature Carolina Mantis

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4. Wandering Violin Mantis Nymph from India (November 7, 2008)
5. Possibly Carolina Mantid (February 21, 2009)