About the Carolina Mantis
The Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) is a species of praying mantis of the subfamily Stagmomantinae. Sexual cannibalism occurs in roughly one quarter of all intersexual encounters of this species, though specimens of this species will engage in cannibalism regardless of age or gender if the opportunity presents itself.
The Carolina mantis is the state insect of South Carolina. Oothecae can be purchased in garden supply centers as a means of biological control of pest insects. Adult females are 47 to 60 millimetres (1.9–2.4 in) in length while adult males are usually about 54 millimetres (2.1 in) in length. First instar nymphs are 7–12 millimetres (0.28–0.47 in) in length. When the nymphs eat more, their abdomens get much longer.
The Carolina mantis has a dusty brown, gray or green color useful as camouflage in certain environments. The Carolina mantis' color varies because the nymphs are able to adjust their color to match the environment they are in at the time of molting. Instead of undergoing a complete metamorphosis, praying mantises molt and grow to an adult. They can adjust their color over each molt, if necessary, until they reach their final molt to... Wikipedia →