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Stagmomantis carolina
A fascinating insect. So charismatic and photogenic. I think this is a female.
My yard (suburban Georgia, with many trees and plants) Found on the side of my house, above a flower bed where I found an ootheca last year on a daylily stem. This is a favorite spot for the local mantids.
Thanks, ForestDragon! I didn't even realize there was another species of mantid living in my region. Thought all of them were Mantis religiosa. I'll need to check my older mantis spottings too...
Mandy, this is a wonderful series! This is a beautiful adult female Carolina Mantis.
Some key physical characteristics of this girl that help to separate her from the European Mantis:
Her wings do not fully cover her abdomen - they are believed to be unable to fly.
She has a dark spot on her wings.
Her eyes bulge (compared to other mantids).
And, Stagmomantis carolina is a native species! :)
Here is a picture of a Mantis religiosa to compare to yours:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/728309/bgi...
Spotted on Sep 21, 2013
Submitted on Sep 23, 2013
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