Males checking out the female

[LauraMG]

So I have 4 stagmomantis carolinas, 2 males and 2 females. One of the females (Lady Gaga) molted into an adult this morning. I was watching her pump her wings out when I noticed that BOTH the males on either side of her were staring intently at her! This is unusual for the males, they tend to dangle from the top and move only if I spray or feed. I snapped a picture because I thought it was funny! We've got Manny to her left who's a subadult and an unnamed adult male to her right that I just found last week

 

[Seattle79]

The males were watching her change. I would watch too if I saw a naked chich changing :lol:

-Kevin

 

[Jesskb]

lol@ Kevin. Laura, I love the flowers on your mantis cages

 

[LauraMG]

lol@ Kevin. Laura, I love the flowers on your mantis cages

Thanks! I got them from WalMart :lol: The mantids LOVE :wub: them being in there and often spend all day on them and molt off them and such. Plus, they're prettier....

 

[Precarious]

That's crazy!

 

[LauraMG]

That's crazy!

It was hilarious! I watched her until her wings were all the way out, and once they were laying on her back the boys didn't care anymore. So strange! The adult male still seems to be taking a special interest in her however....good thing, cuz he's her mate!

 

[Precarious]

It was hilarious! I watched her until her wings were all the way out, and once they were laying on her back the boys didn't care anymore. So strange! The adult male still seems to be taking a special interest in her however....good thing, cuz he's her mate!

I've never seen any of mine take an interest in another molting. They just ignore them.

 

[LauraMG]

This was a first for me too. I wonder why they were so intent about it. Surely she can't be emitting pheromones already....

 

[Jesskb]

probably knew she would be an easy meal.

 

[Rick]

probably knew she would be an easy meal.

Good point. They saw the movement.

 

[4upakabra]

haha! it's funny.