Large species

[meaganelise9]

So the addiction continues.. Every time I get rid of one bug, I bring home another 2 or 3. Oh my..

Anyway, I'm contemplating what to get next, and I was thinking about getting something Big. What species are the biggest and the best of the big 'uns? Plistospilota guineensis? Hierodula majuscula?

 

[sporeworld]

Define "big". Idolos are huge!

Here's the griffin on a hand/tennis ball for comparison.

And here's a (bad) photo of Idolos and Griffins together.

But maybe the real question is "what's a BIG mantid, that's easy to care for?" Then I'd say "Go Local" and get a few Chinese or Eurpean (pictured below). Big, aggressive (to prey) docile to people. Large range of colors, and prey items. And plenty big and bulky to impress, and GREAT flyers!

If you can manage to use flies as feeders, I'd suggest trying your hand at Violins. Easy with a good setup. One of my all-time favorites (Go Gongy!)

For that matter, I wouldn't discount Orchids as small. The females are a lot bigger than you'd expect. A trickier species, though, to be honest. Be soooo worth it!

Your signature line says you've already got Orchids (and Budwings). In fact, you've got (or had) a pretty good cross section, so maybe a few follow-up questions will help the rest of us zero-in on the right species for your next adventure!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Maybe a double quarter pounder w/cheese? over 7 inches long. (not mine of course)

Extatosoma tiaratum(ET's)

 

[meaganelise9]

Your signature line says you've already got Orchids (and Budwings). In fact, you've got (or had) a pretty good cross section, so maybe a few follow-up questions will help the rest of us zero-in on the right species for your next adventure!

You're reading my wish list! haha

 

[meaganelise9]

Thanks for the suggestions. I suppose Idolos really are big. I forget that when they're still growing.. Gongys are definitely interesting.

 

[Chivalry]

I was ogling the H majuscula just a minute ago.... They seem really cool. I show more species to Russ and he goes, 'Yeah... They're cool...' in that tone that means '.... but the shelf is full....'.

How does anyone manage to only have one?

 

[sporeworld]

Thanks for the suggestions. I suppose Idolos really are big. I forget that when they're still growing.. Gongys are definitely interesting.

You're reading my wish list! haha

Ah - I see that now - oops!

If you're doing an Idolo already, the Violin might be a little under-whelming. Macrops, too. Dead Leafs are beautiful, so keep your eyes out for them. Some of the Giant (insert continent) are good for sheer brute strength. I had a Giant Asian once that was brutal!

You don't have Ghosts on your list. They're a great peice for your "collection" and one of my favorite communal species. You can get a ton of them in a relatively small place.

Rhombodera are another readily available species and quite big (I think in the 4" range).

Years ago I had a few Texas Unicorns that were pretty extraordinary. And very distinctive.

When I first started, I'd go to Mantisplace and plan out the year (I like the ability to just scroll down at the pictures and try to learn all the names.

Hope this helps.

 

[psyconiko]

Large species?

http://youtu.be/wPWKNB8lMMg

 

[lunarstorm]

I noticed this pic on the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's blog, apparently this big specimen was presented at Edinburgh zoo.

And here's a high resolution image if you want to see it in better detail.

 

[meaganelise9]

Oooh. What is that, Nikkko?

 

[psyconiko]

Solygia sulcatifrons

 

[gripen]

largest mantid in culture. gets up to 8 inches.i wish i could find some. last time they were sold it was 1 pair sold by frey.

 

[gripen]

one more thing i would not go for Plistospilota just yet as they are very hard. there is a man in the uk who breed idolos for generations but was not able to breed Plistospilota even after 3 tries.

 

[happy1892]

I thought European Mantids were small. I read in books that they are about 6cm long.

 

[Precarious]

 

[guapoalto049]

Which of these tickles your fancy?

-long

-bulky

-aggressive

-dainty

 

[Ntsees]

I thought European Mantids were small. I read in books that they are about 6cm long.

Some are 6cm long, but they can get up to 3 inches.

 

[meaganelise9]

Which of these tickles your fancy?

-long

-bulky

-aggressive

-dainty

lol I dunno about dainty.. The rest are great. Except now it sounds like we're talking about something sexy.

 

[meaganelise9]

one more thing i would not go for Plistospilota just yet as they are very hard. there is a man in the uk who breed idolos for generations but was not able to breed Plistospilota even after 3 tries.

Yeah, I've been reading that thread off and on. Poor guy. Maybe not yet- some day. They're handsome bugs, those guys.