Ghosts Mantis is born! (Video)

[Precarious]

I was taken by surprise by this hatching. I didn't think this ootheca was fertile. I have 9 more ooth to hatch so maybe I'll catch even clearer footage.

You can see how the nymph is all balled up and hunched over with legs pasted to its sides as it descends from the egg sack on a thread. They then pump their blood to expand body and legs, then hang until their new shape hardens. When done if there is nothing to grab onto they drop.

The whole process took about 15 minutes.

Cute how they look like ants. Good disguise.

I'm going to have to sell off some nymphs and ooth so PM if you are interested.

Music by Precarious

 

[warpdrive]

ok, maybe not your best work, but still great in my book.

Harry

 

[Jesskb]

I thought it was great. I love your vids Precarious!

 

[LauraMG]

Just amazing! I've not yet witnessed a hatch in person, so I found it completely fascinating!

 

[Precarious]

Thanks guys...

Just amazing! I've not yet witnessed a hatch in person, so I found it completely fascinating!

This was my first time and I caught it on video.

Now I've got 9 little black ants. I don't know why more didn't hatch. We'll see how the next ooth goes.

 

[LauraMG]

Now I've got 9 little black ants. I don't know why more didn't hatch. We'll see how the next ooth goes.

The one that I incubated only hatched 2, so maybe it's just a ghost thing

 

[Precarious]

The one that I incubated only hatched 2, so maybe it's just a ghost thing

No, they should hatch 20-40 according to Yen...

http://usamantis.com/ghost_species.html

I think it's just not done hatching. That or only part of the eggs were fertile. Or maybe Ghost ooths are really temp/humidity sensitive?

Like I said, I didn't even think this ooth was fertile at all. I was about to stop incubating it. We'll see how the remaining ooths come out. I have some from 2 different females.

My 3rd female became adult just before the male was eaten. I should probably sell her so she can be mated. She's a really rich brown with hints of pink. No kidding. I've gotta get some pics of her.