As the state insect of Connecticut, the praying mantis is one of the more unique and protected insects in the state itself. With a green color ranging from light to dark in shades based on its surrounding environment, the praying mantis is an intimidating-looking insect, both due to its size of many inches in length and its thin, aggressive appendages and large eyes. However these insects are virtually harmless to humans and are known for eating a large number of pesky insects you wouldn't want around your house, like mosquitos, ants and roaches. The female praying mantis is also known for eating their young and their male mates after copulation.
On the endangered species list, the Puritan Tiger Beetle is one of the rarer and more sought-after insects in the state of Connecticut. This beetle gets its name due to the markings of cream color and black on its back, like the marking of a white bengal tiger. This beetle is about a half-inch in length on average and lives along shoreline areas, burrowing into the vegetation and feeding on ants, mosquitos and flies. It has very large pinchers for jaws but is virtually harmless to humans. These beetles will live up to two years.
Hempiterans, or Giant Water Bugs, are found in the rivers of Connecticut and should be paid attention to as they can leave a very painful bite if they do decide to attack you. They can reach up to four inches in length and have large pinching jaws which latch on to their prey when they decide to attack and feed. The Creeping Giant Water Bug has a bite as painful as a hornet's sting. These bugs live on land but hunt their prey both on land and in the water. They are to be looked out for when in the rivers or lakes of Connecticut.
