Hobbies And Interests
Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina)
The Carolina mantis, the state insect of South Carolina, is a medium-sized, non-aggressive praying mantis indigenous to the southern United States. They vary greatly in color, ranging from a dusty brown to gray or green. Adult females usually measure up to 7 cm long, while males peak at around 5 cm. Mature females have bud wings that cover only three quarters of her abdomen; adult males have full wings. It is not uncommon for Carolina mantises to eat others of their own species whenever they can, and one in every four female mantises feeds on the male after mating.
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
This species was accidentally introduced to the United States in 1899 and was soon recognized as a beneficial predator, controlling the populations of pests, such as the gypsy moth caterpillar. Found all across the northeastern U.S., the European mantis measures between 5 and 5.7 cm and varies in color from bright green to tan. European mantises have a distinctive large black-ringed spot, with or without a white bulls eye, near the base of their front coxae. The state of Connecticut adopted the species as its official state insect in 1977.
Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
A common pet choice for insect enthusiasts, the Chinese mantis -- like its European counterpart -- was introduced to the United States in 1895 as a means of reducing garden pest populations. It is the largest species in North America, with the adult female reaching up to 11 cm. Colors are usually shades of brown to light beige, depending on the climate. A deep green line runs down the side of the wing case along each side of the abdomen in adults. Its diet includes small creatures, such as frogs, lizards and hummingbirds.
Other Mantis Species Found in the United States
The country is host to several other praying mantis species, most of them thriving in the drier states. The California mantis is a species native to the western U.S. In the south, common species include Brunner's stick mantis, the agile ground mantis, the obscure ground mantis and the American grass mantis. Other species such as the Litaneutria, Stagmomantis, Tenodera, and Thesprotia genera also call the United States home.