Texas Unicorn Mantis

(Phyllovates chlorophaea) This is a species found only near Southern Texas bordering Mexico, it is also known as the Mexican Unicorn Mantis. These insects are popular U.S. native species, similar to the Arizona Unicorn Mantis. They are attractive species, known for the horn atop of their head, slender bodies with a desert brown color and green wings. The mantis can grow up to about 3 inches. The ootheca can contain up to 60 nymphs, but low as only 15.

Carolina Mantis

(Stagmomantis Carolina) The official State Insect of South Carolina, designated the State Insect by the General Assembly by Act No. 591 of 1988 for many reasons. It symbolizes the importance of the natural science of entomology and its special role in all forms of agriculture, as it helps control insect pest that are harmful to our environment. The Carolina mantis is native to the US and can be found in the southern states, including Indiana.

The wings of the Carolina mantis only extend three quarters of the way down the wide abdomen of the mature females, as the wings of the males span the entire length of their long abdomen. The males of this specie are very thin compared to the females. The insect itself can grow approximately up to 2 inches in length. Their color may vary from an unusual gray, dusty brown, or green.

Brunner's Mantis

(Brunneria Borealis) A very slender mantis, looking more like a walking stick, similar to the grass-like mantis, both which can be found in the southern United States. The Brunner’s mantis are green, pink, and winged at maturity, and recognized by their saw blade-like thorax, and thick antennae. They were first described by Scudder in 1896. This rare, but yet common insect, can grow up to 7 inches long.

Females are parthenogenetic, this means the female can breed successfully and no male is needed to fertilize the oothecae. Egg cases can be recognized by the point at one end. Her case will contain at least 15 nymphs. Nymphs hatch from the oothecae over a period of time, rather than all-at-once, 2 or 3 nymphs at a time within several weeks, or even months, all from the same exit, the elongated point. It is said that this species of mantis, males are not know to exist. Therefore, all nymphs will only be female.

Little Yucatan Mantis

(Mantoida Maya) These small mantids can found in the southern states of the US, such as Florida and Arizona. They are known to move rapidly, making it difficult to any snapshots of the insect. Nymphs has been mistaken for ants, and adults mistaken for sawflies, as it does closely resemble them. It seems as if not much more information has been documented on this particular mantis specie.

Grass-like Mantis

(Thesprotia Graminis) These long and slender mantis have tiny heads, and skinny legs, making them resemble a twig. Even when endangered, they will stretch their arms to mimic a stick, often mistaken for walking sticks. They are found throughout the hot and humid areas of southern US, most common in Florida. Because of their tiny arms, the grass-like mantid can only prey on much smaller insects, such as flies and moths.

Adult males reach up to 2 inches, females are larger and can sometimes grow up to 3 inches. Adult males can be identified by the long visible antennae, as ones of the female are smaller, females are also wingless. A few weeks after mating, the female will lay her small oothecae, containing only up to 20 nymphs. She can deposit from 10 to 15 egg cases, each about every 4 days. After a few days, the deposited egg cases will turn slightly red. Nymphs will start their first molt in about 1 week after hatching, and their 2nd molt will follow in about 9 more days.

Chinese Mantis

(Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) Originating from China, they were first introduced to North America around 1895 as a source of pest control. Since then they have spread to form southern New England to a contiguous range from southeastern New York to northern Georgia and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River valley. They are the largest species of mantis found in North America.

The Chinese mantis long and slender, their color can vary from overall green to brown. The adults have a green lateral stripe on the edge of the front wings. In low light the eyes of the mantis appear black, but in daylight appear to be clear.

Adult females can sometimes take down small vertebrate prey such as reptiles and amphibians. It has been documented that even hummingbirds has captured by this powerful insect. Praying Mantis kung-fu has been developed in the Shandong province of China in the mid-1600's, inspired by the quick movements and techniques of the Chinese mantis. Females lay an ootheca containing approximately 250 eggs. The species has only one generation per year.

European Mantis

(Mantis Religiosa) Originating in southern Europe and temperate Asia, the European mantis was introduced to North America in 1899 on a shipment of nursery plants. Now they are found all over north-eastern America, and has become one of the most well-known and widespread species of mantis. It can be distinguished easily by a black-ringed spot beneath the for coxae.

The European mantis is the official State Insect of Connecticut, earning this place on the 1st of October in 1977. Although its not native to Connecticut, these green, or brown, mantids can be found throughout the state from early May or June until the cold weather sets in.

After mating in fall, the female lays 700 hundred eggs in a flat mass that soon hardens, attached to exposed twigs, houses, or any other place above ground. This strong egg case is built to survive the cold harsh weather of winter. They hatch almost simultaneously in the late spring. Nymphs are similar to the adults, but wingless and light yellow color. Most of them die before their first molt, eaten by predators, such as birds, snakes, or even their own kind. One generation matures in late summer or early autumn.

Shield Mantis

(Rhombodera Basilis) Also known as the hooded mantis, this species of mantid originated from Malaysia and can be found in the tropics. They are the master mimic of them all, taking the form of a pea-green leaf, with a blue hue on the head. They are recognized by its large hood on the thorax, hence their given name. They are fairy large insects. Females can grow up to about 4" long, as males are slightly smaller in size. In captivity, only experienced breeders can successfully reproduce these mantids.

They have a huge appetite, and can lead to cannibalism if not properly fed, a common occurrence among breeding. Newborn nymphs are usually bright red, their shields is not present, but slightly grows on each shed until reaching adult size