Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
treated as junior syn. of
Stagmomantis wheelerii Thomas 1875 in
(1) [also
note here]; however,
S. wheelerii is treated as a junior syn. of
S. carolina in
(2)Explanation of Names
Stagmomantis californica Rehn & Hebard 1909
Identification
Green, yellow, brown color phases. Male abdomen has bold dark bands on top. Hind wings mottled to nearly completely suffused with dark brown to near black, with base purplish. Body form similar to other members of its genus. S. limbata may co-occur and difficult to separate without looking at wings or abdomen of male. S. californica is very slightly smaller and more slender, on average.
Range
Texas, Colorado to so. California (arid regions, north into Central Valley)
Habitat
Chaparral, deserts. Largely arboreal, or at least climbing on bushes. Generally favors drier areas than related species that might co-occur. (Often found with S. limbata which is difficult to separate)
Season
Overwinter as eggs; hatch in spring and summer; adults mostly summer and autumn. Females in particular may survive well into winter.
Remarks
Males often come to lights, females more sedentary
