Is this S. californica?

[cloud jaguar]

Recently found a L2 nymph which is now L3.  I live in So. Cal and usually find only Stagmomantis limbata (Arizona Bordered Mantis) around here.  I used to keep and breed S. limbata - among other mantids.  Some 9 years ago I found S. californica on a coastal sage in the yard.  Based on some of the features of this nymph, I believe it may be S. californica.  What do you think?

 

[mantisman 230]

There is a possibility that it is a californica. I would keep it until it matures to be truly sure.

 

[mantiseater]

This appears to be stagmomantis limbata

 

[Kermit]

Clearly Limbata ... no question. I hatched a wild collected ootheca. And raised over 20 of them personally. They are a little bulky and not as spry as Gracilipes or Cali.

You have a Limbata. 

 

[rbird]

They are a little bulky and not as spry as Gracilipes or Cali.

I agree, I think Limbata. I have some right now and they look a lot like yours with tan and brown coloring at L2 and L3. 

Of course time will tell for sure when it matures but it's fun to try and see if we're right. 

 

[hibiscusmile]

I have some that are labeled as Calif, but look more like these. Will post pic and see what you guys say.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Guess I can't show pic, to big....