Big Green

[Foxhill]

Out of the Mantids Ive encountered so far I think the one that causes me the most wonder, intrigue, fascination, excitement and is the most Adrenalin inducing of all has got to be the Giant Rainforest Mantis. Hierodula majuscula. Or often referred to as .. "That Big Green Thing".       

 

[Synapze]

I've been wanting a H. majuscula for a while, but haven't had any luck. Seems they can be in short supply at times. I've seen specimens priced (but sold out) starting at $16 up to $60. I'm on the waiting list for one now. Coloration is really the only difference between membranacea and majuscula as far as I know. I've always been attracted to the large species but have discovered smaller species can be just as fascinating. 

 

[hysteresis]

I've always been attracted to the large species but have discovered smaller species can be just as fascinating. 

So true. Miomantis caffra is the most aggressive I have observed. 

 

[Mantis Lady]

I have 2 of them, but not adults yet. I like their coloring

 

[hibiscusmile]

I always thought the budwing was the most aggressive.

 

[hysteresis]

I always thought the budwing was the most aggressive.

I've read that, but haven't kept or observed one yet.

But my Mios are savages.

 

[Foxhill]

Whats it like in the States / Canada for buying exotic species      I've read there's a lot of regulations for importation of animals??

 

[Graceface]

Whats it like in the States / Canada for buying exotic species      I've read there's a lot of regulations for importation of animals??

Really depends on what you're trying to do. US laws allow us to mail things within the borders of the States, but import/export requires paperwork

 

[hysteresis]

No comment.

 

[Mantis Lady]

I always thought the budwing was the most aggressive.

Cleo was a budwing. She  was a walking stomach on 6 legs before she died.

A H.golden can eat a lot too,  when i see mine eating.

 

[hibiscusmile]

lol

 

[The Mantis Menagerie]

Whats it like in the States / Canada for buying exotic species      I've read there's a lot of regulations for importation of animals??

Technically, it is illegal to own any non-native/naturalized mantis species without a PPQ 526 permit. These laws are not enforced except in major cases involving hundreds of mantids. 

 

[ohaple]

Giant Rainforest is fun and fairly easy. Along with ghosts mantises, h. majuscula was our first. He just passed a couple of days ago. He was way more active and dynamic than our peacock and ghosts. At adult size he was a little intimidating to handle since he had such a strong prey drive. The green and red coloration is great and the size and pry drive makes feeding a breeze. He only flew a couple of times, but he was a capable flyer as well. It was difficult to force him to move where we wanted, since he would defensively strike before making any threat display. We actually never saw him make a threat display.

Here are some photos and videos if anyone is interested.

Chasing down a fly: https://imgur.com/wBoSSj4

Here is a photo of him pinned if interested to show his impressive wings and size: https://imgur.com/kEANVCY

 

[Synapze]

Beautiful specimen! Nice pinning job. 

 

[Mantis Lady]

I hope I can see her one day with wings. But she  still 1 instar behind with Tybalt I tell her every evening to molt, but she doesn't listen.