How To Sex Young Creo Nymphs L4-L6

ok so a certain member (mantid_mike) needed help determining the sexes of some L4/5 creo nymphs

so i have made a quick topic on it

females will have a bulging ovipositor on the last segment sorrounded by brown coloring but with a yellowish center:









males have a rather smooth end of the abdomen, with a cup shape end and much less drastic bulging and more brownish color







enjoy

I just counted the segments on mine...

I just get out a magnifier/loupe and look at the last segment for a slit/no slit. Works with most, if not all, species.

patrickfraser said:

I just get out a magnifier/loupe and look at the last segment for a slit/no slit. Works with most, if not all, species.

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It does but creo females seem to have really prominent ovipositors compared to others at L4 and its easier with such a small and active mantis to do a quick checkThe ovipositors of my L4 orchid gals r just starting to do the "fold and droop" thing that makes them visible while a creo female of the same instar typically has a nice bump at the end of the abdomen

I usually double check with a magnifier anyways and finding this buldge is easier with one

Someone requested i make this topic so u know, i did

I always love alternative methods, can get boring lookin for the same thing constantly :lol:

And in case anyone is wondering, most of my creos r male <_<

What about antenna thickness? Or is that not reliable?

Thanks, Alex! :cowboy:

I love the pictures! Creos are so very cute

sally said:

I love the pictures! Creos are so very cute

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i will try to get better ones with my new lens after school today

Thanks for the help on the other thread! And just for reference, how many segments do the males have vs the females?

i am still desperately trying to sex my creos... i think i have it down, this was a great help