December 17th update. Includes Polyspilota aeruginosa mounting, but no connection, Pretty Hierodula majuscula colours, and mesopteryx alata.
Polyspilota aeruginosa (Madagascan marbled mantis): My first attempt at mating ever. It has me quite excited and nervous at the same time, while also more and more aggravated as time goes on. The male has been on the females back more than 36 hours now, and still no connection. It seems he's probing his own wings to try and find the spot. Makes me wonder how they've survived so long in the wild if the males have the sexual prowess of an 8 year old boy.
Hierodula majuscula (Giant rainforest mantis): While shorter in length than my L5 Griffins, my L5 majuscula are more aggressive and will take larger, harder prey. My griffins tend to swat away mealworm beetles, while majuscula will grab them and crunch away. These two photos show off some of the pretty colours in my nymphs. The first is Majesty, an L5 female showing off the bright green with red on the inner arm. The second is Majere, who is a myriad of reds, oranges, pinks, and browns. Majere was not fond of the beetle I shoved in his face, and did this (What I believe is a) threat display. Very pretty colours although I need to find out how to turn down the flash.
Mesopteryx alata: One of my favorite species in my collection. These guys are fast, aggressive (although towards small prey), and inquisitive. The little guys recently turned L4, and would be on houseflies if I was capable of getting any. Right now they get 5 hydei every 2 or 3 days.
