L2 sexing

[angelofdeathzz]

Just wondering if anyone has had success at sexing any of the larger breeds at L2, if so how did you do it (a magnifying glass?).

 

[massaman]

I dont think you can at that stage and would be better to wait a stage or when their sub adults personally but I would think those who do sex them do use magnifying glasses or what not to tell the mantis gender!

 

[davestreasurechest]

i use a jewlers 10x and 20x loupe ,it is possible ,you have to know what to look for ,and the hardest part is getting them to be still

It is more complex than simply counting the segments,wish i could draw on here,ill try to explain,..

at L2 it will appear that they all have 8 segments, the females 6th/8 segments will have a tiny (V or notch)

which in time will grow over the last 2 makeing total of 6 segments,..ex acanthops,hymenopus

for violins and idolo's there are points at the end of each segment ,with the naked eye you will see 6 "points"

the males have a tiny 7th point and the end and willcurve inward,the females last segment is long and striaght,..

hope this helps in sexing nymphs which is crucial in breeding some species

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Thanks so much Buginthebox, for the detailed info, I'm going to check it out right now.

 

[davestreasurechest]

glad to help out, i feel a jewelers loupe is a must for anyone breeding mantids, you can find them on ebay for about $7,well worth the investment

 

[Ntsees]

I think it might be still too early for sexing, but try it out with the segments.

 

[kamakiri]

i use a jewlers 10x and 20x loupe ,it is possible ,you have to know what to look for ,and the hardest part is getting them to be still

It is more complex than simply counting the segments,wish i could draw on here,ill try to explain,..

at L2 it will appear that they all have 8 segments, the females 6th/8 segments will have a tiny (V or notch)

which in time will grow over the last 2 makeing total of 6 segments,..ex acanthops,hymenopus

for violins and idolo's there are points at the end of each segment ,with the naked eye you will see 6 "points"

the males have a tiny 7th point and the end and willcurve inward,the females last segment is long and striaght,..

hope this helps in sexing nymphs which is crucial in breeding some species

This is your best bet...

Using the loupe, looking for the 6th segment 'notch' and also the possible shortening of segments 7 and 8 or the slight widening of the abdomen all can be indicators of females at L2. I have some detailed pictures of the differences in limbata for gender ID but I'll have to dig.

Some species have other early indicators like ghosts with their head 'leaves'.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

This is your best bet...

Using the loupe, looking for the 6th segment 'notch' and also the possible shortening of segments 7 and 8 or the slight widening of the abdomen all can be indicators of females at L2. I have some detailed pictures of the differences in limbata for gender ID but I'll have to dig.

Some species have other early indicators like ghosts with their head 'leaves'.

I would love to see your pics if you can find them, Thanks.

 

[kamakiri]

This thread is showing L3 and L4 limbata, but the evidence can be found in L2s.

Male vs. Female quantities

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=12876

 

[PhilinYuma]

kova sexing

Yeah, those pix are the best reference that I have seen, and now I'll be able to find them when I want them!