Chinese mantis (nymph)

Description:

The Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) is a praying mantis native to the Southern United States and one of six species found in North America. It grows to approximately 2.5 in (64 mm) in length. L1 nymphs are 7-12 millimeters long including the abdomen. 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. An unusual trait is that its wings only extend three quarters of the way down the abdomen in mature females, seen also in Iris oratoria, which can be distinguished by the large eyespots on its inner wings. 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. Carolina mantis oothecae can be purchased in garden supply centers as a means of biological control of pest insects. It is the state insect of South Carolina.

Habitat:

Meadow

Notes:

3/4" long mantis nymphs. These were significantly larger than the ones that hatched from the ootheca I brought indoors a couple of days ago so I'm guessing they are a week or two old.