S.C. Code Ann. § 1-1-645: Official State insect.

(A) The Carolina mantid, Stagmomantis carolina (Johannson) , or praying mantis, is the official insect of the State.

(B) A statement in substantially the following form must be printed in the next edition and all subsequent editions of the South Carolina Legislative Manual in the appropriate section:

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.