Brunners mantis

[mykey14]

Hey guys, I just lost the last of my mantids a few days ago and was thinking about getting a brunners mantis.

I know they reproduce parthogenetically, but im not to sure how easy they are to rear.

Can any of you that have had any experience with this species share any information with me about them?

Like, are they easy to raise?

Do they have problems molting?

Whats the average size?

Will the nymphs become weaker with each generation?

About how long do they live?

Any information given will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks - Mikey

 

[Mime454]

I hear that they mismolt more than the average mantis, but I have no personal experience with them. I assume that the nymphs won't become weaker. This species has no males anymore, so their very existence is a testament to that statement.

They're a pretty big mantis. Also, not many are rearing them.

 

[psyconiko]

One of my favorite.A very unique species,very gracile and beautiful.Not the easiest to bring to adulthood but it is worth a try.They do not require much care but young nymphs are a bit fragile and may mismolt more than often.Nymphs will not become weaker with each generation,parthenogenesis is he only known way this species reproduces.

You can find it in your sunny state so go for it(nymphs or ooths).If you cannot find any I have ooths :cowboy: .

 

[Rick]

I've kept them many times but I have never raised them from the ooth. The adults are long and thin. They have small forelegs and will happily eat blue bottle flies as adults.

 

[psyconiko]

Blue bottle flies?I feed my Brunnerias with them only for a snack :cowboy: .They can overcome an adult cricket no problem.Also it is a very aggressive and highly cannibalistic species,that hunts like a real predator.

 

[mykey14]

Nikkko are we talking about the same species?

How could an almost paper thin stick mantis be aggressive and cannibalistic? I've kept other stick mantids before in very small groups and they showed no aggression towards one another whatsoever.

 

[Rick]

Blue bottle flies?I feed my Brunnerias with them only for a snack :cowboy: .They can overcome an adult cricket no problem.Also it is a very aggressive and highly cannibalistic species,that hunts like a real predator.

Are you talking about Brunneria borealis? They would have trouble with a large adult cricket. I've had them take small ones but they seem to like flies best. Your other descriptions don't match borealis either. Think you are confused.

 

[psyconiko]

I am talking about Brunneria borealis.I have been breeding this species for more than 3 years now.Do you need a video of my Brunnerias shredding a crix? :cowboy:

 

[psyconiko]

Nikkko are we talking about the same species?

How could an almost paper thin stick mantis be aggressive and cannibalistic? I've kept other stick mantids before in very small groups and they showed no aggression towards one another whatsoever.

Thery are very cannibalistic once they reach L4.You cannot keep them all together.Perhaps you did not keep them long enough?

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Although I haven't raised any yet, I wouldn't doubt their voraciousness. I know when I was originally looking up videos of them when looking into the species I saw one of an adult cannibalizing another adult. It was an outside quick vid so I don't think it was a staged feeding or anything.

 

[gripen]

I had L1's cannibalize each other. they were very aggressive!

 

[brancsikia339]

I had L1's cannibalize each other. they were very aggressive!

+1. They're nasty

 

[Rick]

Sounds different than any I've ever kept. I've kept adults routinely together in net cages with no outward signs of aggression.

 

[gripen]

Sounds different than any I've ever kept. I've kept adults routinely together in net cages with no outward signs of aggression.

Perhaps the younger instars are more aggressive.

 

[Rick]

Perhaps the younger instars are more aggressive.

Makes sense. I've been dealing with the species for several years now but mainly as adults or late instars. I have seen them stalk prey but they never seem interested in large prey probably due to their small frail forelegs.

 

[Sticky]

what are they like as pets? Are they gentle or nervous? Mean?

 

[psyconiko]

http://youtu.be/OljO950HkuI

 

[Mime454]

Scary looking.

 

[lancaster1313]

Nice! Nikkko.

They take on more than they appear they can handle. I may try again with the species.