California Mantis – The Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science

Stagmomantis californica

California Mantis

Carnivore: Consumes virtually any other insect it perceives as small enough to be eaten, including other members of its own species

Geography: Found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, western Texas, and Mexico

Habitat: Prefers warmers and drier regions — chaparral and desert environments with sufficient vegetation in which they can climb, hide, and hunt

Interesting facts:

All S. californica have sensors near their legs that allow the praying mantis to lose its head and still function
Pink California mantises exist! There are normally green, yellow and brown colored.
Though fast runners, california mantises are also capable of using their wings for flight
California mantises can be recognized by orangish inner forelegs and black spots near the mandibles

Close-up of a female Chinese Preying Mantis, also known as California Preying Mantis, sitting on a twig with its forelegs folded in front of its body.

Uncover Fascinating Facts about the World of Insects!

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Red Palm Weevil

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California Dragonfly

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Ceanothus Moth

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Goliath Birdeater

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Red Rhinoceros Beetle

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Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, scientifically known as Brachypelma smithi, running on yellow sand. The tarantula has a dark brown body with reddish-orange joints on its legs and its long black hairy legs are visible as it moves.

Red Kneed Tarantula

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