I had always heard that praying mantises were a protected species but I found out recently that there are different species and that the ones that are big enough to kill hummingbirds (4 or 5 inches) don't even belong here. They were imported from China to kill insect pests and now they're killing our birds and butterflies! I still think they're neat but I would probably do away with one that big that I found on my feeder or flowers. A little one I would leave on the feeder to eat the bees and yellowjackets. :)

I dont trust em , one year I also found one on one of my feeders and this year I found one in one of my hummer plants david verity. I removed them far enough away that they wouldnt bother my hummers. Im a little more concerned with some neighborhood cats that patrol the area.

I found 3 this month, all over 4 inches and close to my feeders. One was on a rose bush, 6 inches away. I took them a few miles away to a wooded area, with no feeders in sight. Wasn't sure how far away was safe? Also didn't want them near anyone elses feeders.

Sorry it took me so long to post a reply being the OP. Cut my finger on a power saw.

This mantis was big. I was shocked to see him on my feeder! I knew that if I moved him gently to another part of the yard he would probably come back to the feeder. I do not get bees or ants on my feeders.

I would not normally do away with one of these unique creatures, I find them fascinating and a rarity to see around here, but not on my hummingbird feeders.