How to *** Deroplatys lobata L3 nymphs?

[happy1892]

Is there any other way to *** them than counting the segments? I have 8 L3 nymphs and they all have 8 segments. At L1 and L2 they did not look different from each other but at L3 they have differences. The ones that are slightly larger are wider in the abdomen and their leaf thing on their thorax are less smooth on the edges than the other smaller ones and the larger ones are more bright colored.

 

[kitkat39]

At L3? No.. if you wait until they get older then the shields will look much different. Until then, you're stuck counting segments.

 

[patrickfraser]

Look for a notch or little slit on the last segment. Females are notched and males are not. It is easier with a magnifying glass or loupe.

 

[happy1892]

At L3? No.. if you wait until they get older then the shields will look much different. Until then, you're stuck counting segments.

I do not think they can be sexed by counting the segments at this age.

Look for a notch or little slit on the last segment. Females are notched and males are not. It is easier with a magnifying glass or loupe.

Thanks! I did see differences but I have not really looked carefully at them yet, I was focused on something else so I did not get to taking pictures or updating my blog.