of all the mantids i've ever had, i've noticed that the most alert and healthy ones aren't too keen on being hand fed, and back away from objects placed close to their face. i guess maybe it varies from mantis to mantis.
This is where things get intersting. My idolos aren't "tweezer" fed really. I actually use a thin, yet strong wire attached a thin needle. The roach is impaled on the needle, a bit curel I know, and wiggled naturally using the wire's fexibility while approaching the mantis. The mantis then accepts the food.
if you havent seen it already, have a look at my blog. i have a couple of photos that seem a good way to sex idolomantis, from L2. the males have a little hook on the third to last segment, females dont. i'm not guaranteeing anything, when mine grow i can tell you if i was right, but for now this seems the only way to tell my nymphs apart. 3 of them have this hook/spike, 2 dont, im assuming this is the gender split.
depends what you mean by "work" but i think where alot of people have trouble is that you have to "publish" every post you make, it is "draft" (and only viewable by you) as default. maybe best to ask a mod.
