About Stagmomantis carolina (Johansson, 1763)
Adult female Stagmomantis carolina measure 47 to 60 millimetres (1.9–2.4 in) in length, while adult males are typically around 54 millimetres (2.1 in) long. First instar nymphs of this species are 7–12 millimetres (0.28–0.47 in) in length, and nymphs develop much longer abdomens when they consume more food. The Carolina mantis, the common name for this species, typically has a dusty brown, gray, or green body color that works as effective camouflage in certain environments. Its color varies because nymphs can adjust their color to match their surroundings during each molting period. Nymphs can adjust their color with each molt as needed until they complete their final molt into adulthood. Unlike insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, praying mantises grow into adults through successive molts. One unusual trait of mature female Carolina mantises is that their wings only extend three-quarters of the way down the abdomen. This same trait is also present in Iris oratoria, a different mantis species that can be distinguished by the large eyespots on the hind inner wings of both adult males and females. Both adult male and female Stagmomantis carolina have a dark-colored dot on each of their forewings, the outer wings. This dot may be partially hidden in individuals with brown or dark color morphs. Stagmomantis carolina is native to the Americas, with a range that extends from the United States southward to Brazil.
