My first adult!

[-MK-]

I've finally got a big adult Chinese praying mantis! I got to watch almost the entire molt and it was fascinating - especially the way the wings develop into actual wings from little stumps. About said wings: once they've got them, how soon until they start using them? I've got all the ceiling fans off as a precaution, and it's getting hot in here!

 

[Opivy]

COPY CAT! Lol, I was going to take a picture like this on my piano tonight.

 

[PhilinYuma]

COPY CAT! Lol, I was going to take a picture like this on my piano tonight.

Hey! We don't mind two different "mantis on the piano" pix, as long as they are playing different chords.

 

[Ntsees]

They won't use their wings until after a while because even their wings need to harden. Mines usually take about a week. It appears like you have a female and so flight shouldn't be a concern for you once you fatten her up.

 

[Katnapper]

LOVE the pic, Mike... superb!! And congratulations!! I'm so glad things are going so well overall with your mantids. ^_^

 

[Rick]

Should not be handling her for at least a couple days after that molt. Female chinese don't really "use" their wings much so don't expect that.

 

[ismart]

Congradulations on your first adult! She looks great!

As rick said, try not to handle her right after a moult. She is still a little soft. You would not want to possibly hurt her in her weakened state. Wait a few days before you start messing with her.

 

[charleyandbecky]

She is beautiful.

I'm glad you got to see the molt. I watch molts kind of like some watch horror movies...with my hands over my face and peeking occasionally. I want to be there in case something happens but it makes me a nervous wreck.

Rebecca

 

[Katnapper]

She is beautiful.I'm glad you got to see the molt. I watch molts kind of like some watch horror movies...with my hands over my face and peeking occasionally. I want to be there in case something happens but it makes me a nervous wreck.

Rebecca

:lol:

 

[-MK-]

Thanks for all of the comments! I emailed the same picture to my parents saying, "Remember those little bugs I showed you earlier this summer?" They both emailed me back like, "Oh my goodness! What have you been feeding them?" :lol:

Now I've got what looks like my first adult male hanging head-end-up with wings looking pretty well-developed, but it's dimly lit in there and I don't want to turn on a brighter light and disturb him. So I'm watching, from a distance, like it's a horror movie.

And I promise not to bother him for a couple of days.