Visitors to the Bronx Hall of Justice Tuesday were greeted by a white praying mantis as they walked through one of the building's revolving doors.
The bug, which symbolizes God in some cultures, appeared to be spending the afternoon relaxing at the entranceway of the courthouse, and passersby were both freaked out and fascinated by the unusual sight.
Bronxite Andrea Bush said that, although she does not like insects, she was open to making an exception for the funky new addition to the courthouse.
"It's beautiful," she said. "It's a beautiful bug. I've never seen a white one like that. I've only seen them green."
Essence Owens, 21, was less hospitable, saying that she felt the same way about the praying mantis as she would about any other insect.
"It really looks creepy," she said. "I don't like bugs, so any bug to me looks creepy."
Mantids turn white when they molt, shedding their old exoskeleton for a larger stronger outer layer.
Although most of the exotic animals in The Bronx tend to be concentrated in the Bronx Zoo, this is not the first creature New Yorkers have spotted roaming around the borough.
Last year, Police Officer Derek Lenart spotted a mysterious animal by Bronx Community College, which one wildlife expert said was a fisher, a weasel that feasts on porcupines and other rodents.
Mike Hyatt, 62, said he lives near the Hall of Justice, but this is the first time he has ever spotted a white praying mantis.
"I've never seen one before. Totally different," he said.
Although he described the albino sighting as rare, he said he was not surprised that different praying mantises would have different appearances, noting that he had similar variations in his own family.
"I've got a twin brother," he said. "He's light skinned. I'm dark skinned."
