Praying Mantis

Scientific Name: Atrichoseris Platyphylla
Common Name: Parachute Plant, Gravel Ghost, Tobacco Weed
Genus: Mantis
Phylum: Arthropoda
Species: religiosa
Class: Insecta
Habitat: Valleys, washes, bajadas
Life Form: Forb, annual
Leaf Description: Basal, simple, , grayish green with purple, finely toothed, glaucous
Flower Color: White or whitish
Flowering Period: March to April
Spines: Spiny leaves
Rarity: Common in SE California and NW Ariz.
Family: Asteraceae (sunflower family)