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.

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.