Stagmomantis
Guides
Nicoletia wheeleri
California mantis, Wheeler's mantis, California mantid
Nicoletia wheeleri is a native praying mantis species of western North America, historically known as Stagmomantis wheeleri or S. californica. It is a medium-sized mantid with variable green to brown coloration. The species has experienced population declines, potentially due to competition with introduced mantis species such as Mantis religiosa and Tenodera sinensis. It is one of five native mantis species recorded in California.
Stagmomantis floridensis
Larger Florida Mantis
Stagmomantis floridensis, commonly known as the larger Florida mantis, is a native species of praying mantis found in the southeastern United States. It belongs to the genus Stagmomantis, which includes several other North American mantis species. As a member of the Mantidae family, it shares the characteristic predatory adaptations of mantids, including raptorial forelegs for capturing prey. The species was described by Davis in 1919 and is distinguished from other regional mantids by its larger size and geographic distribution centered on Florida and surrounding states.
Stagmomantis gracilipes
Arizona tan mantis
Stagmomantis gracilipes, commonly called the Arizona tan mantis, is a species of praying mantis in the family Mantidae. It is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species was described by Rehn in 1907 and belongs to the genus Stagmomantis, which includes several other North American native mantises.
Stagmomantis limbata
bordered mantis, Arizona mantis, bosque mantis, New Mexico praying mantis
Stagmomantis limbata is one of the largest native mantids in North America, reaching approximately 3 inches in length. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless, robust, and typically plain green or gray with a dark spot on the tegmina, while males are slender, long-winged, and capable of flight. The species is notable for female-emitted sex pheromones that attract males, with pheromone production linked to female nutritional status and receptivity. Sexual cannibalism occurs, particularly when females are food-limited.