S. Lineola Sphodromantis species , Great pet! The S. Lineola or the Blue Flash are the best pets ever! Sphodromantis common name African mantis or African praying mantis, is a species of praying mantis from Africa sometimes raised in captivity. These are large and friendly, they love to be held and are a great example of how friendly and smart mantids are as pets. One of my favorites, smart and love humans as companions.