Carolina Mantis vs Bristly Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carolina Mantis Bristly Tachinid
Scientific Name Stagmomantis carolina Epalpus signifer
Order Mantodea Diptera
Family Mantidae Tachinidae
Size 47-60 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Parasites
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Carolina Mantis

The most common native mantis species in the eastern United States, occurring in green, brown, and mottled forms. It is smaller than the introduced Chinese and European mantises.

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Did You Know?

Carolina mantises are designated as the official state insect of South Carolina, making them one of the few predatory insects honored with such a title.

Bristly Tachinid

A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.

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Did You Know?

Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.