This is a super common species here in the United States, especially Nebraska, the Chinese Mantis. They were introduced accidentally back towards the turn of the 20th century and purposefully spread throughout the country as a natural form of pest control. It is not considered invasive and seems to be fully naturalized to the country.

I've raised this on and off for years and never bothered to photographed it for the portrait series because of how available it is. Well here it is. These photos also demonstrate a common problem I have. The portrait is least strong of three but other two just do not fit the project at all. I have piles of very nice photos of mantises that I have nothing to do with. This is also the first time I've used polarized lights for the insect and I have say I am having a hard time finding a time to not polarize my lights.