A rare visitor from Europe is thought to have been attracted by the heatwave summer and southerly winds.
The European praying mantis has been spotted in Guernsey before, although the English Channel was generally considered to be its northerly boundary.
But climate change and the hot summer of 2026 mean there have been sightings in both Guernsey and Jersey.
It is possible that the one seen in southern St Peter Port in mid September hitched a ride on a boat, but it was probably brought in on the wind.
The picture shows it on a concrete path with its compound eye tilted towards the phone camera.
They come in a variety of colours and the Island FM listener who spotted this one tells us he originally thought is was a dried up bamboo leaf.
But looking back at it, the signature first set of wings, held as if in prayer, roused his curiosity.
La Societe's entomology section has confirmed it is a European praying mantis.
Naturalists say this species does not pose any threat to local wildlife or insects.
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