First handling experience!

[Nunsoup]

I have just had my first handling experience! Wow! I opened her (his?) critter box yesterday and she hid inside and seemed really scared so I left it open for a while and then put the top back on and left her to it.

I did the same today and she climbed right out but was not too sure of me at first so I dropped a fruit fly in front of her and she immediately grabbed it and started eating, when she had finished it she was slowly exploring the shoe box lid I'd put the critter tub in, climbed up the side, and then lightning fast made a break for it - made me jump! But I slowly put my hand at all of her escape routes and eventually she climbed on! My heart was nearly beating out of my chest!

She really settled down and even started cleaning herself, she went back in the tub OK, I can't wait to put her in the terrarium when she's a bit bigger.

p.s. Any ideas on possible age, sex or definite type? I've been told it's an Hierodula Grandis, but am still learning ?

 

[GingerC]

I'm extremely inexperienced, but I'm pretty sure she's a female; I could clearly count six segments on the bottom of the abdomen.

She's really pretty, too! I love her striped legs!

 

[crabbypatty]

@Nunsoup haha, she's gaining your trust and planning another escape. Looks like it's a she, not sure on the age though, probably L2 or L3, that's the age when they're sold off, but not positive. She's cute though!

 

[Teamonger]

Such a cutie! The first nymph is always the most nerve wracking and exciting. I was way more paranoid and not at all relaxed with my first mantis. Since I've dealt with and cared for an entire hatch however I am much calmer about all of it.

 

[Zeppy44]

The color, shading and patterns on mantis fascinate me. This young one has some great marking along the back. Yuppers, I agree-- definitely a Keeper!

 

[Nunsoup]

I could sit and watch her for hours!

 

[Jessie]

@Nunsoup i just got mine 2 weeks ago. Mine did escape,it jumped 5 ft in the air got into a towel over the shower. 

Best advice i can give you,be very slow its startled by movment. Make sure when you handle them its in a place it wont get lost easily.  Use a soft voice,if you can give it some honey. Raw can be organic. Mine calmed down after that. I just got mine 2 weeks ago. So i am no where near experienced like these guys. But i am also a worryer so i do my best to be as gentle as i can.

If you ever need to talk feel free to pm me.