Fail

[Rick]

So went out to some of my regular locations to find some mantids for Bugfest. Figured I'd have no issue finding our four species. Turns out I didn't see a single mantis. The place that I found the B. borealis and S. carolina had been mowed and the surrounding vegetation had nothing. The place with the T. angustipennis and T. sinensis failed to produce a single mantis. There used to be hundreds, maybe thousands of mantids at each place. Perhaps these local populations went extinct for some reason. No shortage of other insects though. The places were teeming with grasshoppers, bees, butterflies, etc.

This pic sums up the collecting. An old, black ooth.

 

[ismart]

If they mowed the area before Spring then you can bet that area is pretty much mantis decimated. They probably destroyed most of the ooths. This happened to me a few years ago in an area abundant with mantids. Now i can't find a single one in the area. If need be. I can probably find you some Chinese, and narrow-winged. Let me know?

 

[Rick]

If they mowed the area before Spring then you can bet that area is pretty much mantis decimated. They probably destroyed most of the ooths. This happened to me a few years ago in an area abundant with mantids. Now i can't find a single one in the area. If need be. I can probably find you some Chinese, and narrow-winged. Let me know?

Yeah I agree on the mowing. They had also used some herbicide to kill plants under the power lines. That may have had a temporary effect on herbivores. I am thinking it may take longer for mantids to recolonize than the plant eaters. The other place has had no mowing at all. In fact it looked even better than years past.

I'll let you know. The narrow wing for sure because that location was the only population I knew about. I should be able to find Chinese. I have another spot in mind and then a totally new location that looks good at least when driving by. Thanks Paul.

 

[agent A]

i have a subadult male tenodera sinensis who is abt to molt to adult

after he molts i can send him to u

 

[Mvalenz]

I was looking for mantids yesterday and found nothing.

 

[Mime454]

I went 3 days ago and found bsolutely nothing too. I was surprised, because it was a veritable jungle of grass nested to a big lake.

 

[Rick]

So went to two other locations that had plenty mantids in the past. Not a single mantis to be found. On the way home I saw some likely habitat near an old construction site. Figured it was worth a shot but I had my doubts.

After awhile I saw this half eaten grasshopper. I noticed it was obviously eaten by a mantis. So I looked around and about a foot away was the mantis.

Then I found another:

Then I found this young man who is excited to be going to Bugfest:

Saw this girl but left her:

Lastly, found this S. carolina nymph:

 

[hibiscusmile]

You did good Rick, when I send ooths, let me know what else u need, I have the b borialis and chinese girls, seems like u dont need girls though, but I could sure use a guy, anyone want to trade?

 

[sueb4653]

You did good Rick, when I send ooths, let me know what else u need, I have the b borialis and chinese girls, seems like u dont need girls though, but I could sure use a guy, anyone want to trade?

I may have a pre sub

 

[Rick]

You did good Rick, when I send ooths, let me know what else u need, I have the b borialis and chinese girls, seems like u dont need girls though, but I could sure use a guy, anyone want to trade?

Can't find them locally? What size are your borealis? I have a guy locally that says he can find some but if not you will hear from me.

 

[Mime454]

If that carolina nymph is a male, can I borrow/buy him after bug fest?

 

[Rick]

If that carolina nymph is a male, can I borrow/buy him after bug fest?

It's female.

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

You did good Rick, when I send ooths, let me know what else u need, I have the b borialis and chinese girls, seems like u dont need girls though, but I could sure use a guy, anyone want to trade?

i have found 4 guys so far. PM me if you want them and we can work it out

 

[Saebjorn9]

Amazing find! I can't find any mantises where I am in Jersey. Thinking of going on a hike today though in a place I suspect might have some. Quick question though Rick. The picture of the mantis you found near the half eaten grasshopper. How big was it? It looks absolutely HUGE.

 

[Rick]

Amazing find! I can't find any mantises where I am in Jersey. Thinking of going on a hike today though in a place I suspect might have some. Quick question though Rick. The picture of the mantis you found near the half eaten grasshopper. How big was it? It looks absolutely HUGE.

I don't know. Typical Chinese female. Probably 3 something inches. They are not as big as they look or people think.

 

[Saebjorn9]

I don't know. Typical Chinese female. Probably 3 something inches. They are not as big as they look or people think.

Ah k gocha, yeah I guess it was just the perspective of your photo. Great finds nonetheless!