My Beautiful ###### Dog Bug

[animalexplorer]

Secret word of the day ##### rhymes with itch.

Well, here is one of the girls never to procreate, I wish I could rent a male from someone. Although the molting process is nerve wrecking, I would have to say it was one of the best experiences I have had with mantid husbandry. When friends come over and witness this behemoth of a bug they are truly amazed at both size and ornamentation they display. Well here is a picture of my beauty, she is perching in Lauries hand.

"What the H-E-double hockey stick is that thing?!!" or "That's no moon!...that's a battle station!"

The thing is so big, I bet I can swap out my significant other's loofa, and she wouldn't even notice.

 

[Ricardo]

Ungh so beautiful!!! Alas, I crave this species even more...

 

[kitkat39]

Gotta love 'em! I know what you mean about the friends coming over and witnessing the behemoth of a bug..

 

[Idolofreak]

Nice!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Nice pic man! Strange her head didn't turn purple, How old is she?

 

[animalexplorer]

She's a couple of weeks out of her final molt. She does have purple, but on the sides of her crown just like the other one.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Yup, there it is, and Wow there's your new avitar, that is a nice shot man!

 

[sporeworld]

Glorious!

 

[hibiscusmile]

They are beautiful!

 

[warpdrive]

so cool looking. total shame that it's hard to find a male.

Harry

 

[animalexplorer]

Thanks everyone! Yes, people just can't believe the size or the bizarre look of them.

Hopefully we'll see more become available.

 

[stiff]

what kind of mantis is this ?

 

[animalexplorer]

Large Devil Flower, Idolo, Emperor mantid (Idolomantis diabolica)

 

[Precarious]

Wow, I totally missed this post. GREAT pics! Beautiful and crisp.

 

[sporeworld]

She's a couple of weeks out of her final molt. She does have purple, but on the sides of her crown just like the other one.

OK, clearly I think MY kids are the most beautiful kids in the world, but for sheer "WOW" factor - c'mon! What compares to THAT!?! Big, frilly... MAYBE one of THE most colorful - both in intensity AND variation. Just incredible! And in, not-credible... people really don't beleive they're real.

Seriously great picture.

 

[animalexplorer]

Thanks everyone! and a big thanks to Rebecca for holding some back and reserving them for me. They are gorgeous Mark, I cant wait to complete the life cycle of these incredible creatures.