I think I narrowed this fella (gal?) from a preying mantis--my first thought--to a Carolina Mantid. It was seen in eastern Nebraska in September. Did I guess right?
Name: Sally central Maryland (Zone 7b) See you in the funny papers!
Gal, yes, mantis yes, looking to make an egg case I think. Carolina? I don't know, someone else will..Its not the Chinese that are about all I've ever seen here.