Looks like a mantis
Location: Middle Georgia (the state, not the country;)
February 26, 2011 2:52 pm
My boys found this in the bathroom and think it’s a baby mantis. I’m not so sure. It doesn’t have the large head or ”praying hands.” I’m letting them keep it in a bug motel until we identify it. Help!
Signature: Tricia
Hi Tricia,
This really looks to us like an immature Assassin Bug in the genus Zelus. Assassin Bugs are predators so your inclination that it resembles a Mantis has some bearing. You can read more about Assassin Bugs on BugGuide and you can compare your individual to this image and this image also on BugGuide.
Looks like the one I found killing a bee. Here’s a link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tvftp/5485953861/
Probably a nymph of Zelus luridus, but in Georgia, I can’t with absoluate certainty rule out either Z. cervicalis or Z. tetracanthus.