Can anyone ID this mantis?

This mantis has been living in a potted plane on my porch for several weeks. We've become friendly. Originally he would pull away from me when I offered him my finger, but now he'll climb right on and sit on my hand. Yesterday he even climbed up my arm and sat on my head! He/she is very pretty: 2 inches long, with pale pink wings and pink eyes. Does anyone recognize this type?

Photo?

Oops - for some reason the pictures didn't come through - let me try again.

Stagmomantis species. Would need to know what state you live in to be more specific though it looks like S. carolina (Carolina mantis).

i agree with Rick, looks like a Stagmomantis carolina

Thanks! I live at the northern end of California's Central Valley. Summer temps average about 90-95, but often reach 103 or higher. Winter temps (day) are in the low 40's, but it can go below 32 at night.

I have thought about bringing her inside, but it seems kind of cruel as she's always lived outdoors. How low a temperature can a Carolina mantis tolerate? I would consider giving her a home if the temps here are too cold, which I'm guessing they are.

Can you recommend a good species of mantis for a pet? I like both the Chinese and the African mantids, but I'm not sure I want to feed the size of live food they require. (Can they live on smaller food if it's given in abundance?) Maybe a mantis in the 2.0-2.5" range? I also prefer the "stereotypical" mantis look, rather than some of the fancier ones.

Thanks for your help!

I don't think it is caroLina the wing shape and color and the thorax don't match

If you live in California then it's not a carolina. Probably californica.

It's adult female S. limbata.

What color is her mouth area?

Could very well be limbata.

Either way a Stagmomantis, and a pretty little female.

I noticed the original posts mention a male, so I thought I would include the correction as with that round abdomen and short wings it's a female without having to count segments.

mantiseater said:

I don't think it is caroLina the wing shape and color and the thorax don't match

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I've found them that color before but the location rules it out anyways. Doesn't look like limbata to me either but Yen you have more experience than I do with them.

What a pretty lady! With a pink dress on too! All she needs now is alittle makeup and she's ready to go to town!

CosbyArt said:

Either way a Stagmomantis, and a pretty little female.

I noticed the original posts mention a male, so I thought I would include the correction as with that round abdomen and short wings it's a female without having to count segments.

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Yes, after reading some more, I realized she's a female, with that abdomen. Thanks for the correction!

I really appreciate all your replies. I realize that not all members of a particular species of mantis look alike, but of the three suggested, I can't find one picture or description that mentions pink eyes, or pink wings. While it's not crucial that I know exactly what kind she is, I would like to know if anyone has seen such a description. I think she's very pretty, and would like to buy one (born in captivity) for a pet. She's just the right size for me.