I joined this forum about a year ago after catching a gravid female European mantid. I got bit by the mantid bug and ended up keeping several different species and breeding a few. It was a fascinating experience and I want to thank all of the kind and generous people on the forum that helped me...
My number one tip:
Leave the iPod home!
Why immerse yourself in nature and listen to man made racket, when natures sound track is so much better?
Instead, bring binoculars and/or a magnifying glass.
Happy foraging!
Thanks. Re-mating is no longer an option since the male died. I just gave her a huge drink of water, misted her down good, and moved her net cage out to my organic garden. There are plenty of sticks in the cage for her to choose from. Fingers crossed.
My rhombodera stali mated on May 3rd and has not laid an ooth yet. Her health is deteriorating, she has a difficult time holding her own weight up. She still eats like a champ, I don't know what's going on.
Two months ago today my rhombodera stalii mated and she has not made an ooth yet. What gives? She looked restless the other day and I thought for sure she was ready, but nothing. She's eating and drinking and is nice and fat. I don't get it.
I don't think you can go wrong starting out with a bud wing or an Indian flower mantid. To me ghosts aren't a great choice for a beginner. They grow slowly and are often picky eaters. God luck with what ever you choose.