How will I know when a Chinese Female is calling/receptive to a Male?

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Hi everybody! 

So I mated Sparkle and Galaxy succesfully last week. 

But I am wondering how I know if my other 2 females will be receptive or not, and when people say their females "started calling" what does that mean/look/sound (?) like?

Also when should I expect Sparkle to lay and ooth if I bred her on Aug. 28th?

 

[Mantis Lady]

With cochise I saw her making movents with her butt. not like the normal breathing. No noise with it.

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Ohhh okay! Sounds interesting....

Well I guess I only have 1 female now... Liza died this morning!! So sad.

 

[minomantis]

With Chinese mantids I've noticed that they usually "call" or release pheromones to attract males during dusk/ through the night. 

The abdomen usually drops a little and it looks like she's pumping something out. If you catch it, it's a very distinct look so you can't miss it, but you would be lucky to catch it because they usually stop when they're disturbed. 

I think they will do it regardless, but having her well fed is probably a good idea. Good luck and sorry to hear about your other mantis! ?

 

[Rick]

You don't need to witness this behavior at all. If the mantis has been an adult for a couple weeks or longer she should be ready for mating. If she is super aggressive to males, she may not be ready quite yet. 

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

K.

Will do. Thanks!

 

[bugboymark]

In my neighborhood (and maybe yours in Indiana), I'd just bring the enclosure out onto my deck at night.  With the female in an enclosure with a screen lid and lots of ventilation, I knew she was calling/ready to mate when I'd walk out at night before bed...and would find 1 to 4 males hanging about!  I'm not sure what the range is exactly, but I'm guessing wild males in the area can follow the pheromone trail for quite distance if the female is calling and the air/wind conditions are right.  Anyhow, that's worked for me a couple times. It was pretty convenient to just let one male into the enclosure to take his chances with mating. 

I'm guessing most folks would probably rather not leave it to chance.  If that's the case, I'd say ditto to what everyone else mentioned on this thread.  ?

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Thats funny. 

I'd walk out at night before bed...and would find 1 to 4 males hanging about!

Thanks for the idea!

 

[MantisGirl13]

Yeah, once I was walking outside at night, and a big thing with wings that flew very clumsily was looping around my head. It turned out to be a male Chinese, which was perfect because my male had just died that day.

- MantisGirl13

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

big thing with wings that flew very clumsily was looping around my head

That is a funny description!

 

[MantisGirl13]

 It is true! Though it was hilarious!

- MantisGirl13

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Soo hilarious! A big thing with wings that flew very clumsily. ..! Cute but soo funny

 

[MantisGirl13]

 Lol. I was standing next to a street light, and he kept getting caught in my hair!

- MantisGirl13

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

 Lol. I was standing next to a street light, and he kept getting caught in my hair!

- MantisGirl13

Too funny. I MIGHT try to find another male (outside) to mate Sparkle again (but not keep) since Galaxy has his arm 'broke'. Idk though... Will see.

 

[Mantis Lady]

Good luck with finding  new  male?

 

[MantisGirl13]

Yes, I hope you find another one!

- MantisGirl13