Carolina Mantis
Stagmomantis carolina or the Carolina Mantis is native to much of the US and is one of the most common species seen. They can also be found in Mexico and parts of south America. The males and females look different from each other with the females being much more robust and having short wings that don’t fully cover her abdomen. Males are smaller and more slender with full wings. They can be green or brown depending on environmental conditions
Carolina Mantis Care
Housing:
Mantids don’t require much space but the cage or container needs to be able to accommodate them as they grow. Generally the container must be 3x the mantis length and 2x for the width. It must be well ventilated to prevent the growth of mold
This species is VERY cannibalistic and should be house separately
Temperature:
They have a large range of acceptable temperatures. Room temperature is perfectly fine for this species.
Humidity:
They dont require much humidity but prefer humidity around 60%. Daily misting can meet these requirements. Higher ranges of humidity might be require for the final molt.
Water:
Mantids do not require standing water to drink and receive most of their moisture from their food. They will however drink water drops from misting. Good ventilation is required to prevent mold growth from higher humidity
Feeding:
They will eat just about anything. As nymphs fruit flies are the ideal food source and increase to house flies and blue/green bottle flies as they get larger. They also will enjoy moths or other harmless flying insects. It’s recommended that the size of the feeder insect does not exceed 1/2 the mantis length.
Adults can eat crickets or roaches however they don’t often climb up high enough to where the mantis is hiding and go uneaten. Most pet stores sell fruit flies and wax worms that can be grown into moths. Larger flies can found easily from online suppliers or sometimes from bait shops.