Stagmomantis limbata (Hahn, 1835)

[Kris Anderson]

Species treatment for Stagmomantis limbata complete.  This species is spontaneous parthenogenetic, in that females are noted to be capable of asexually reproducing offspring that are non-viable and will die prior to reaching maturity.  An adult male has been recorded mounting (not copulating with) an adult female Mantis religiosa in northern California, where both species are now sympatric. This occurrence suggests that visual cues play a significant role for the male within the mating sequence, at least within close proximity of a potential mate, and can occasionally be misleading. It is important to note that Mantis religiosa is an introduced species into this region where Stagmomantis limbata is endemic. These two species did not coevolve on the same continent prior to human meddling into their natural distribution, which may explain the seeming confusion on behalf of the male. Further, an adult male has been recorded engaging in copulation with an adult female Stagmomantis wheelerii in southern Arizona, where both species naturally occur.  It is unknown whether this union is capable of producing viable, hybrid offspring.  

This endemic species now also co-occurs with the introduced Iris oratoria throughout much of its native range, albeit often less prevalent than the invasive species.  A recent collection record has been confirmed from central Florida.  It remains unclear whether an intergenerational colony has been established in this area or if this was an adventive individual that arrived through human intervention. 

“Praying Mantises of the United States and Canada”

https://www.researchgate.net/project/Praying-Mantises-of-the-United-States-and-Canada