Lifespan for Orchid Males

[AikoAiko]

One of my older orchid mantis males died yesterday. I'm a little sad about it, but at least he got to mate and pass on his genes before he went.

I recieved him in mid-June at L2 and he molted to adult August 16th, so he lived about two months as an adult or four months total. I noticed that neither of the older males are as active or feeding as well as the younger ones.

How long do orchid mantis males usually live for? What is the longest anyone has had the male of this species live for?

 

[Rick]

I would think he died early. I recall them living longer than that.

 

[AikoAiko]

The other male that is the same age as one that died is not doing well either. He's looking awfully skinny and won't eat the bluebottle flies I offer him. I'm afraid he will die soon as well. He's kept in the same conditions as my other three orchid mantises and they're all doing fine and eating well.

Any suggestions to make him eat?

 

[sidewinder]

A friend of mine that used to keep Hymenopus coronatus had remarked to me at one point that he noticed a lot of variability in male life span. I seem to recall him saying it was anywhere from 1 to 4 months as adults with 2 to 3 months being most common. I have no personal experience with this species so take this information as hearsay.

Scott

 

[idolomantis]

macro junkies male is 4 months already. and still very active.