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?
Can anyone ID this mantis?
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LAME
Tenodera sinensis (the one and only)
Photo?
PrayingMantisPets
Well-known member
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 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!
mantiseater
Well-known member
I don't think it is caroLina the wing shape and color and the thorax don't match
Salmonsaladsandwich
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If you live in California then it's not a carolina. Probably californica.
It's adult female S. limbata.
LAME
Tenodera sinensis (the one and only)
What color is her mouth area?
Could very well be limbata.
Could very well be limbata.
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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.
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.
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.
Sticky
Well-known member
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!
Yes, after reading some more, I realized she's a female, with that abdomen. Thanks for the correction!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.
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.
