Prohierodula picta - Red/Blue winged mantis

[PlayingMantis]

Prohierodula picta nymphs - I was cleaning their cages today so I thought I'd take them out for a photo shoot. These are pretty new to culture.

I remember the first time I saw a picture of their deimatic display, I was stunned.

http://www.terraristik.com/tb/ad_pics/594707__3.jpeg

https://flic.kr/p/o5nimn

Here are some quick phone camera pics of my two humble-looking nymphs. As nymphs, they don't have exciting coloration. Apparently the adults are all tan/brownish with colorful wings, but the nymphs vary from green to brown. I currently have two pairs, but only one of the females is green. They are very aggressive, and unlike some mantises that wait for food to arrive, they actively chase after their prey. In the first photo, the male was eyeing the female hungrily, so I had to quickly shove a piece of paper in between them.

I think I will use this thread as a mantis log of sorts. I will post more pictures as they grow and mature, and I hope to breed them some day.

 

[CosbyArt]

Very nice looking pair - they look cute staring. Interesting it looks like the female has a lazy antenna, a unique look.

Those photos you linked to are very stunning, love their coloration!

 

[LAME]

I agree! Those wings are really unique. I'm looking forward to watching this log

btw, that 2nd photo is pretty awesome how they both stare up at the camera lol

 

[Sticky]

You're right, they are stunning! Where did you get them?

 

[dmina]

Too cute... great pics... Yes, very interesting! How old are they? Did you get them recently? Looking forward to their progress...

Thanks for sharing!

 

[PlayingMantis]

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Yes, I'm not sure how the female got her "lazy" antennae, maybe it was a small molting mishap. Or it could be a fashion statement, like how (human) ladies like to perm their hair, this mantis lady decided to curl her antenna.

I got them from Precarious in late November, as L6 nymphs. They've molted 1-2 times since then, and I believe the male in the picture is sub, judging by the wingbuds, and the other three are pre-sub.