The Mantis Man was an insectoid cryptid reportedly sighted near Hackettstown, New Jersey by two unrelated fisherman.

Appearance

The creature was described as standing about seven feet high, having mandibles, and large intense black eyes. One observer described the creature as fading as it moved up the river bank where it was spotted, leading to speculation that perhaps the beast was using camouflage and blending into its surroundings. The second observer reported hearing a humming and feeling tingling sensations, and seeing the mantis-man spread its wings when observed by him in a threatening gesture. It also eventually vanished as if into a fog.

Possible Explanations

There are several explanations as to what the creature could be. Theories include:

• An undiscovered species (a Cryptid)
• Extraterrestrial

Trivia

• After the sightings, speculation followed that the giant, scaly creature was psychic.
• During one sighting, two brothers were down at Stephen's State Park fishing right around dusk. During this time, while his brother was roughly 50 yards downstream fishing, the witness said he felt this strange vibration in his right ear. He claims that when he turned and looked to the right, he saw a 6-7 foot mantis-like creature staring at him.