The State Insect
The Carolina mantid, Stagmomantis carolina (Johannson), or praying mantis, was designated the state insect by the General Assembly by Act 591 of 1988, for the following reasons: it is a native, beneficial insect that is easily recognizable throughout the State; it symbolizes the importance of the natural science of entomology and its special role in all forms of agriculture in helping to control harmful insects; and it provides a perfect specimen of living science for the school children of this State.
S.C. Code § 1-1-645