Arizona Mantis
Stagmomantis limbata
They are one of the few insects capable of rotating their heads a full 180 degrees to scan their surroundings.
- Scientific name
- Stagmomantis limbata
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Mantodea › Mantidae › Stagmomantis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- desert
- Habitat
- Arid desert scrub, semi-arid grasslands, riparian corridors, and suburban gardens.
- Diet
- Carnivorous, preying on insects, spiders, and occasionally very small vertebrates.
- Range
- United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, Utah), Mexico
- Size
- 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) in length, with females being larger and heavier than males.
- Lifespan
- 9 to 12 months
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Broad-spectrum pesticide usage in suburban and agricultural areas, and habitat loss.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and highly beneficial to gardens. You can safely observe them from inches away. They are not venomous or aggressive to humans, though they may raise their front legs in a defensive posture if startled. If handled roughly, they can pinch or bite, which is non-toxic; if bitten, simply wash the area with soap and water.
Stagmomantis limbata , common name bordered mantis or Arizona mantis, is a species of praying mantis native to North America. This beneficial insect is green or beige in color and grows up to around 3 inches long.
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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