Christmas-tree-stowaway
Guides
Stagmomantis carolina
Carolina mantis, Carolina mantid
Stagmomantis carolina, the Carolina mantis, is a native North American mantid species ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Arizona. It is smaller than introduced mantid species such as the Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) and European mantis (Mantis religiosa), typically exhibiting gray or brown coloration. The species overwinters as eggs in protective cases called oothecae, with nymphs emerging in spring and adults present from July through October. It serves as an important predator in gardens and natural landscapes, with documented parasitism by the tachinid fly Masiphya confusa.