Carolina Mantis

Looks how to spot one

exoskeleton

The body is slender with a large, triangular head and long, spiny forelegs held in a praying position. The wings of the male are long and allow flight, while the female has short wings that do not cover the abdomen. Colour is highly variable, ranging from green to brown, grey, or mottled patterns.21

Personality what they are like

Carolina mantises are generally sedentary and calm, spending most of their time waiting motionless for prey. They are not aggressive toward humans and can be handled gently, but they are cannibalistic and will eat other mantises if kept together.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are ambush predators and do not need exercise. Males may fly at night in search of mates, but in captivity they are content in a suitably sized enclosure.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low grooming needs. The enclosure should be misted daily (or twice daily in mesh cages) with spring, distilled or RO water to provide drinking water and maintain humidity. Avoid spraying the mantis directly. Substrate such as paper towel can be changed weekly.1

Home where they are happiest

An enclosure at least three times as tall as the mantis is long, with good ventilation and a mesh or screen top for hanging during moult. Ideal temperature is 21-29°C (70-85°F) with humidity 60-80%. A living vivarium with springtails and isopods works well, or a simple mesh cage with silk plants and paper towel substrate.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

They eat live insects. Tiny nymphs need Drosophila fruit flies; larger nymphs and adults take house flies, bluebottle flies, moths, crickets and small cockroaches. Do not overfeed females as they can become obese.14

Company who they like around

Solitary. They are cannibalistic and must be housed alone, especially as nymphs and adults. Females may eat males during or after mating.3

The story where it all began

The Carolina mantis is one of the most common native mantis species in the United States. It has been kept as a pet by hobbyists for many years due to its hardy nature and fascinating predatory behaviour. Unlike the larger introduced Chinese and European mantises, the Carolina mantis is smaller and more subtly coloured, making it a favourite among native insect enthusiasts. It is often found in gardens and meadows, where it helps control pest insects, though it also eats beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.53

Recognised by the official bits

NC State Extension

Recognised as a native beneficial predator in the US.5