Are these Chinese mantids sub adult?

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Ocelotbren

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Hi everyone, I have two Chinese mantids, a male and a female, and I'm trying to determine if they are sub adult.  Since these are my first ones, I'm not positive, but I compared to a couple pictures I found on Google and the wing buds seem pronounced enough for them to molt to adult next.  Below are a few pictures - I was hoping some of the more experienced mantis keepers could help me confirm their likely instar.  I have also read that females might have one more molt than males, but that it's not confirmed.  Their wing buds look really similar though between the male and female so I'm not sure about an additional molt.  They are both about 2.5-2.75" long.

Pictures:

http://imgur.com/a/0eUJa

Thanks in advance for the help!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
They are the replica of my L7 Tenodera female and male.  She will be L8 or adult next he is adult next moult ...  S

 
Crazy!  At the earliest I expect the male to molt next week, and the female a week after him.  I am a bit excited/nervous about them having wings haha.

 
@crabbypatty Oh great.  They are kept in the main kitchen/living room area, which has vaulted ceilings.  Are they likely to fly up there and force me to get a ladder to get them down? :p   Maybe I should handle them in a small room for starters until I see how they are...

 

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