Haha.. Mantis don't make a pose to show off like Peacocks do.. they do it because they feel threatened and will attack. lol! I usually get a threat pose out of my mantis with a few pokes to the head. Gradually increase the strength to see what it takes for them to flare up because you don't wanna do it so hard that you find it's head flying across the room like a home run hitter. I've also noticed that my females will flare up more than my males will.My male hasn't displayed a threat pose since he was at the instar before subadult. I thought it was strange that he did this today. I have tried several times to get him to display. I wanted to see his wings stand. :lol: I guess it takes a female's presence to make him show off.
She seems to be nibbling his claws gently without mandibles showing. I hope he makes it. The connection was almost immediate. It wasn't violent, he just walked up and stepped on her head. :lol: She then struggled for a second, he grabbed around her neck,(he is big) and she tried to bite his claw. He then adjusted to a more comfortable grasp. She then calmed down and opened up.
Yay! Successful mating! I hope he makes it too. I might be a little distraught if my Carolina male doesn't make it through mating. Good luck!:lol: It was just a joke, kitkat. They are now mating!
I then put him in his container. I have a small house so the only place I could let them be free is the bedroom. I will have to figure out another place, I was having trouble sleeping because I was afraid he would fly to the bed while I slept, and become crushed.
I hope she lays you many ooths! 
