Good layout examples for a gravid female

[hysteresis]

Hi all

Trying to layout a glass cookie jar type enclosure that might encourage a gravid female to produce her ooth. 

Any ideas on how I *ought* to layout foliage, sticks, etc to help her out, if she's fussy? ?

I have drilled out the metal lid for air, but will have it lathed away at work so I can install plastic mesh into it (she sure loves hanging from mesh). 

Any ideas? Suggestions? Photo ideas welcome.

Old jar enclosure (with old perch and foliage) and new cookie jar enclosure (minus perches and foliage) shown side by side below. ?

 

[MantisGirl13]

I would put lots of sticks of different widths in there. It is a good idea to put the mesh on the top not only for grip, but also for humidity and temperature levels.

- MantisGirl13

 

[hysteresis]

@MantisGirl13... I agree. Mesh is going in. I have to find something more vine-like to wrap around a bit.

Right before snapping the photos of the two jars, I put her back into the smaller one.

I had her in the larger one from yesterday, with her familiar stick and bit of shrub/tree, but she wouldn't take a cricket.

She just hung upside down and sat still.

Within an hour of being put back into her old jar, she took a cricket. LoL.

She's fairly sprite whenever she's handled. I don't suspect she's sick.

She's SOOO bottom heavy, though! ?

Could further lapses in "regular" feeding indicate she's getting closer to depositing her ooth?

I've been offering a small 1/2" (12 mm) two times a day. Until today, she's taken everything I offer.

Her second cricket is still alive and in one piece. Wonder if she's just 'satisfied' for now, or is this recognizable behaviour in gravid females?

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

They will stop eating before laying an ooth so it is possible!

 

[hysteresis]

@Prayingmantisqueen a fertile ooth is what i'm hoping for     so game on.

I believe i'll have to use the larger jar to provide more options for perching and places for an ooth.

I bet she lays one right on the mesh screen! ?

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

That would be interesting..!

 

[hysteresis]

That would be interesting..!

@Prayingmantisqueen does this happen? 

Can they lay an ooth on a mesh upside down? 

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

I have yet to see it in mine on mesh... but my female just laid one in a complete vertical position on the smooth plastic side of her home. Usually they lay on sticks at an angle or vertically, I am not sure about horizontally!

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

I am not saying it's impossible though! I just have never seen it!

 

[hysteresis]

@Prayingmantisqueen tomorrow, I'll have a mesh top for the larger jar, I will put her back in there with lots of sticks and something viney. She'll have her pick. 

Also, a better substrate than sand. I'm sure i'll find something at PetSmart.

TY for your help. You too @MantisGirl13!

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Your welcome! Have fun I hope it is fertile (the first ooths is always super exciting!!).?

 

[hysteresis]

My fiiiirssst oooooth! ????

Oops. I forgot to say OUR first ooth cos this is supposed to be for the kids. ?

My wife has already caught on. Haha. She's right into it tho'.  Posting within Lola on FB and stuff... ??

 

[MantisGirl13]

She laid?!? 

EDIT: Oops, sorry, I was wrong!

- MantisGirl13

 

[hysteresis]

She laid!?! That is awesome!!! Congratulations! I hope it hatches!!

- MantisGirl13

Oh no no hahaha! Not yet, @MantisGirl13. 

I meant that in response to @Prayingmantisqueen's first ooth comment. ??

Not yet. ?

 

[MantisGirl13]

Oops  Sorry! I hope it happens soon! 

- MantisGirl13

 

[hysteresis]

Me too @MantisGirl13.

That was a pretty good practice celebration for when it happens, tho!

??

 

[MantisGirl13]

 Lol 

Thanks! I know you are excited for her to lay.

- MantisGirl13

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

You guys are too funny ? 

Mantisgirl13, his wording caught me off guard too at first!

 

[hysteresis]

@MantisGirl13 @Prayingmantisqueen

Do you think she'd care if I set a nice 'Y' twig in her enclosure without the leafy greens? That structure might entice her to set up shop! ?

She doesn't have tons of room. I split the cheap larger cookie jar (cheap Dollarama) so she's stuck with her old one for the another few days as I search for something more suitable.