Mantids - Size Variation in Species

[padkison]

From left to right

Hierodula membranacea, Parasphendale agrionina, Chloroharpax modesta

(Asian Giant, African Budwing, Nigerian Flower)

3.5", 2", 1.25"

I forgot how small the Cm were supposed to be and blithely thought my nymphs had 2 or 3 molts to go. I was surprised this morning to find this adult female.

 

[robo mantis]

cool

 

[Rick]

Great comparison Perry. Those guys are tiny.

 

[padkison]

Tiny, but they have been snagging bluebottle flies since they were only about 50% bigger than the fly.

I am definitely going to cultivate them for awhile.

 

[humantis]

Just curious what's the smallest species anyone here has kept successfully?

 

[robo mantis]

Egyptian mantids are realy small!

 

[humantis]

Yeah, and the Egyptians look cool. I like their coloring.

Litaneutria minor is another neat little guy, although they sound like it'd be more challenging to keep than most given their tiny size & quickness.

 

[Ian]

Lovely photographic comparison there!

Thanks for sharing.