Praying Mantis can be found in many parts of Hawaii, from the seashore to nearly 7,000 feet up. It is not known if praying mantis were introduced purposefully or if they arrived accidentally. There are around 22,000 species of mantis in the world.
This mantis was found at sea level just after an early morning rain. It was about 6 inches long and a couple inches tall. Although it could have flown away, it instead slowly meandered off as mantis prefer to walk.
Mantis can be tricky to find, often blending in with palm trees, naupaka shrubs, and ohia trees. This one took the opportunity to present itself for the camera.