How do you know when a mantis is calling?

[Shadow]

Is it some color

 

[aNisip]

This topic has been covered numerous times. Use the search feature

Basically, in very few words, the female moves the tip of her abdomen up and down.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

They moon the world

 

[Vlodek]

Basically female bends her abdomen downwards releasing pheromones to attract a male.

Here you can find more information about it:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0307-6962.2005.00426.x/pdf

 

[aNisip]

Just imagine mantids having ovipositors, now imagine them laying eggs with the ovipositors, thats what calling looks like, like Krissim Klaws pic.

 

[iLUVdraguhns]

They moon the world

oh like they're laying an ottheca… i get it.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

oh like they're laying an ottheca… i get it.

Yes and no. It is similar, but once you gain some experience you should easably be able to tell a female that is calling from one that is actually getting ready to lay an ootheca. Apparently however some male mantises can be fooled between the two. There was a funny photo someone posted a while back of a male that hopped on to a lady mantis only to have her start laying an ootheca while he was left akwardly sitting on her. :blush:

 

[Orin]

Here's another picture for you.

 

[Orin]