Bolbena hottentotta

[ABbuggin]

I've had these guys before, but somehow ended up with all females on my 3rd generation, so I had to get them again. L1 nymphs are only 2mm long. h34r:

L1 Bolbena next to L1 Gongylus

L1 on a house fly

L1 next to a fruit fly h34r:

 

[Morpheus uk]

Cant see the pics

I was thinking about trying these just for the gimmick of freakishly small mantids

 

[Rick]

I had an ooth of those once but it never hatched.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Its a wonder they ever eat!

 

[revmdn]

That is small.

 

[phreeze]

Out of interest what do you feed them at L1 and how big are they when adults.

They are certainly an odd species.

 

[leviatan]

Look this photo of Igor Siwanowicz -> bolbena is this on the head

also you HAVE TO see his macro gallery

http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=768656

 

[ABbuggin]

Cant see the pics I was thinking about trying these just for the gimmick of freakishly small mantids

They work for me. :huh:

I had an ooth of those once but it never hatched.

When I get ooths, I'll send you one or two free of charge.

When they are this young they eat springtials. I keep the mantids in the springtail culture so that they feed themselves.

 

[Kruszakus]

To me there's nothing more to this species than just it's small size. I look at Phyllocrania, Gongylus and Idolomantis, and then I look at this - it just does not hold a candle to those larger, more spectacular species.

 

[ABbuggin]

To me there's nothing more to this species than just it's small size. I look at Phyllocrania, Gongylus and Idolomantis, and then I look at this - it just does not hold a candle to those larger, more spectacular species.

True, but I like them a lot for the very reason that they are small.

 

[yen_saw]

Ain't that true. it is all in the eye of beholder

 

[ABbuggin]

Ain't that true. it is all in the eye of beholder

That's exactly right. Besides, they are not nearly as nerve wracking to care for as the gongylus, idolomantis etc.

 

[hibiscusmile]

you got that right buggy, only thing is gotta make sure u dont throw them out when cleaning... :lol:

 

[ABbuggin]

lol

 

[EntomoAK]

Amazing photo