What speices of praying mantids are found in the usa?

Question

I live in south carolina...And know theres a SC mantis...but they are only said to be a few inches long. I have seen mantids in my yard much larger. 6 maybe 7 inches. could these be sc mantids ?

Answer 1

There are three common species of praying mantis in North America. The European, Mantis religiosa, and the Chinese, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis, were introduced in the Northeast around 1900 to control garden insects. The Chinese mantis is tan, except for the outer edges of its forewings, which are pea green. The species considered native to the United States is the Carolina mantis, Stagmomantis carolina
http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2005/03/20.htm

Answer 2

The one you're thinking of is probably the Carolina Mantis, or Stagmomantis carolina, your state insect.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Mantid

Here is a link to a site that has both the common and scientific names of North American mantid/mantis species.
http://www.herper.com/insects/namantids.html

Answer 3

This is the one most folks tend to see, it is all over the place.

"The Chinese Mantid, Tendora aridifolia, is the largest praying mantid in Kentucky, reaching 4" in length. Because of its large size, it is one of the most commonly seen mantids as well. Chinese mantids are usually either bright green, tan, or a combination. This mantid was introduced to the U.S. from China in the late 1800's as a potential beneficial insect. It is no longer considered beneficial because it feeds on many desireable native insects, including butterflies and native praying mantids."

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/mantids/mantids.htm