Arboreal insect ID please

[Malkavian]

Was mowing my grandma's yard today (western NC) and as i brushed under a tree limb an insect i'd never seen before fell out on my arm.

It was about the size of a praying mantis nymph (which is what i thought it was at first) however it was vibrant green with possibly a lighter underside. It held itself exactly as a mantid does, except its fron legs appeared to be jointed for walking and held as walking legs rather than held folded like a mantis. The thing had a long neck and small head and walked much like a mantis does. Couldn't see that it had wings.

I believe ive seen these before and never any larger than this one, so i'm wondering if this is just a very small species. Anyone have any idea what it might be from my description?

 

[Stagger-Lee]

sounds liek some sort of phasmid or stick insect

 

[Navaros]

I agree, it sounds like a phasmid. Do a search for Diapheromera femorata, that should be what you found.

 

[orcrist]

I catch a lot of little bugs by that description in long grass, and they're hemipterans. If yours is the same it should have a tiny fold-out needle for its mouth. Check it out with a magnifier.

 

[Malkavian]

Navaros: That's it. Thanks, I wasnt aware walking sticks lived in this area

http://www.bugsincyberspace.com/femorta1.jpg
That pic is basically exactly what i saw