"Miniature" Creobroter gemmatus?

[patrickfraser]

I went into my bug room this morning and found that one of my Creobroter gemmatus molted. I thought it looked funny, so with closer inspection I noticed it had wings that were being inflated. It looks like it is only about 1/2 normal size. I think it matured, prematurely??? I'll give it today and get a picture tonight. Any similar experiences???

 

[Rick]

Probably just a mismolt.

 

[Idolofreak]

Well, I know when Entomo-logic had his Idolos, one of the males "matured prematurely". He had his colors and wings but he was only about 3" or 3.5" long, about two inches shorter than a normal adult. I guess he looked so weird/was so vulnerable & weak that the female L7s chowed down on him until he was chewed in half. No idea what causes the early maturity.

 

[patrickfraser]

Here's a couple pix. Her underwings did not inflate and she is just really tiny. Is this small or normal? She is the only one to reach adult stage from an ootheca hatch. Others seem to just be molting regular and "on schedule". Just sorta weird. I guess I'll name her minnie.

 

[Rick]

I wouldn't call it "early" maturing without some kind of proof on the subject. That is far from the first mantis I have seen that ended up being a small adult.

 

[patrickfraser]

I don't know...No other siblings have molted to adult and this is a female that should take an "extra" molt more than males. That "should" mean that all hatchlings will be female if this was her final molt to adult? I just don't think it is "normal". Oh well. I'll see how long it takes for the rest to molt to adult and judge from there.

 

[Rick]

No, it isn't normal really. But I have had many a mantis outpace its siblings. I have had them as much as three molts apart.

 

[kmsgameboy]

I honestly dont know enough on the subject to post any thoughts on if this is an early adult or what not but I can tell you that you do have one cute LITTLE bugger on your hands! *pinches its little mantis face*

 

[crucis]

looks like u got one pretty little genetic aberration

the poor thing.. cant help wondering how males will respond to her and whether she'll try producing normal-sized ootheca

 

[Malti]

any update on her? did she molt again?

 

[patrickfraser]

She is full grown. That was it. Probably just a mismolt. I am going to attempt to mate her shortly. It will probably be next week,. This weekend I get to go to Washington DC with my father to see the WWII and many other memorials with a group called Honor Flight. Woot Woot. Only costs $350 for me and Dad is free. It includes trasportation (airfare and ground in DC), meals, and 2 nights in a hotel. It is to honor World War II veterans. If you know a WWII veteran that would like to take advantage of this deal, please visit the website I have provided here. Honor Flight Website

 

[Malti]

She is full grown. That was it. Probably just a mismolt. I am going to attempt to mate her shortly. It will probably be next week,. This weekend I get to go to Washington DC with my father to see the WWII and many other memorials with a group called Honor Flight. Woot Woot. Only costs $350 for me and Dad is free. It includes trasportation (airfare and ground in DC), meals, and 2 nights in a hotel. It is to honor World War II veterans. If you know a WWII veteran that would like to take advantage of this deal, please visit the website I have provided here. Honor Flight Website

Have fun...and thanks for the advertisement bit although its interesting), unfortunately the last WWII veteran in my family ( living in the states) died a few years ago or he'd probably be there.

 

[Termite48]

Scott, that is an awesome opportunity for you to go with your Dad. I would go with my WWII veteran Dad if he were still alive. Have fun and take some pics to share.

 

[patrickfraser]

It is going to be a wonderful experience to share with my father. He just turned 89 July 23. He is getting "up there", but doing pretty good. Maybe he'll live to be 104 like my grandmother. I will be bringing my camera, of course.

Grab yourself a WWII veteran, if you can, and get in your application. They have trips all the time, thanks to contributors donations.