Common species: Stagmomantis carolina, S. limbata, S. wheeleri, S. floridensis, S. gracilipes
Common names: Carolina mantis (S. carolina), bordered mantis (S. limbata), Arizona mantis (S. limbata or S. gracilipes), California mantis (S. wheeleri), Florida mantis (S. floridensis), Arizona tan mantis (S. gracilipes)
Difficulty: Beginner
Size: Both sexes up to 3″ (7.5cm)
Lifespan: Males up to 8-10 months; females up to 1 year
Recommended enclosure size by instar:
– 1i-3i: 2oz/5.5oz deli cup (2×2″/5×5cm)
– 4i-6i: 5.5oz/16oz deli cup (4×4″/10×10cm)
– 7i-adult: 8×8×12″ (20×20×30cm) enclosure minimum
Humidity: 60-80%, but adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels; mist every other day or so for hydration
Temperature: 70-86°F (21-30°C)
Feeding:
– 1i-2i: D. melanogaster or D. hydei fruit flies
– 3i-5i: D. hydei fruit flies, house flies, small cockroaches, small crickets
– 6i-adult: House flies, green/blue bottle flies, medium cockroaches, medium crickets, waxworms/moths, mealworms (treat only)
Breeding:
Breeding can be attempted once both sexes are around 3 weeks into adulthood.
Females lay 4-8 ooths, generally preferring flat surfaces.
Species specific breeding notes:
– Stagmomantis carolina: diapause not needed, but can be done to provide for stronger nymphs. If not diapaused, nymphs will emerge in 1-4 months. Diapause may take place over up to 7-9 months at temperatures of around 50-60°F. Ooths will hatch over up to 21 days and hatch 20-40 nymphs.
– Stagmomantis floridensis: Nymphs emerge in 8-10 weeks and do not require diapause. Ooths generally hatch all nymphs at once and will hatch up to 50 nymphs.
– Stagmomantis gracilipes: Ooths can be diapaused similarly to S. carolina. Each ooth will hatch up to 50 nymphs.
Other Resources:
Mantid Forum – Stagmomantis limbata
Mantid Forum – Stagmomantis wheeleri (formerly Stagmomantis californica)