Just thought I'd document the full text here for the collar. Forums are better for archiving. Who knows if I'll ever find it again on FB. This is Andrea Mercado's idea. I asked him why the method is only suitable for larger species. I haven't heard back yet.
"Wanted to share a new breeding method I’ve come up with that I’ve been using for a little over a year now. I call it the “Anti-Male-Eating” Collar! (Or “cone of shame”) Here’s 2 different orchid pairings from last night as an example
[What is it?]
Just a paper collar made out of printer paper or flashcard paper so the female can’t get to the male. They sometimes get annoyed at first when putting it on but shortly forget it’s there and don’t mind at all! It’s placed at the base of their upper bodies underneath their arms so it’s not hazardous. This way if I’m too busy to monitor them I can sleep at night knowing I can trust the male will still be safe and in one piece in the morning.
[How does it work?]
It prevents her from seeing him and wanting to turn around to get him. Can’t make it too big or else they’ll get annoyed they can’t crawl. After the male is finished and doesn’t do anything for 2-3 hours after, I’ll gently nudge him and he’ll jump off. After I separate them I immediately remove her collar. (Video of removal included)
[Is it safe?]
Yes! Though you can’t make the hole in the middle TOO big or else it can actually become hazardous if they manage to put their feet or arm through it then they can get stuck or uncomfortable. Make the center hole not too small but big enough that it fits perfectly around their body. Be very gentle when taking off.
[What are the cons?]
Only con is the female can’t preen her feet and that’s often the time she’ll see the male and eat him. But because they’re upside down in the same spot for hours they forget it’s there and don’t mind it at all. However this method won’t work for smaller mantids like boxers, spinies, Creobroter, etc. This method only works on medium and large mantids like orchids, Hierodula, Rhombodera, etc.
[Should I try this?]
Feel free it’s up to you! From my experience I’ve never lost a male when using this method and often use it when I don’t have many males and need them alive. It works 90% of the time. I say 90% incase the female manages to take it off or eat the male. (Have had females take it off before when used with flimsy paper). Some breeders have already tried this method before and it saves their males! If you try this for the first time use regular or printer paper to figure out the correct size to ensure the comfort and safety of your female! (Bottle cap used as stencil for orchid)."