Rhombodera stalli

[MantisMatt14]

My Rhombodera stalli (Giant Shield mantis) girl's wing membrane was what the gorgeous macro was of! This girl has been with me since August and she is over a year old! Normally mantises don't live this long in the wild even in Malaysia so she is very fortunate to have me as an owner. Recently, she has gotten quite weak. Her legs have started to stiffen up and she can barely move. I am pleased to say that she can still grip prey very well and her raptorial arms are still very strong. She doesn't have a cage anymore she just sits in my room. I feed her flies and she will grab them and eat up to 3 a week! I also fill up a squirting syringe with water and she regularly reaches up and with my help holding the syringe, she drinks for minutes. I am very happy to say that she had been to 3 of the Connecticut Entomological Society meetings and hopefully she will still be alive for the February one! I strongly believe she will be able to go! Amazing how old she is for an insect and she still acknowledges my presence along with always wanting attention! Let's hope she lasts a few more months such an extrodinary insect that has touched my life.

 

[Jay]

Beautiful pictures and specimens! Sorry about the eye in the last pic.

 

[MantisMatt14]

Beautiful pictures and specimens! Sorry about the eye in the last pic.

Thanks! Even though she is over a year old she still can see and acknowledge my presence! Such beautiful insects.

 

[CosbyArt]

Nice story, and indeed I hope she makes it to the February meeting too. Great to hear you have such a friend with her. Curious though who is her other friend in the picture of your hand? Some great shots though, and thanks for sharing.

I've read that the Rhombodera makes a great companion, and it looks like you would agree. I'll have to see about getting one myself.

 

[Sticky]

I had a male Stalli. His name was Legolas. It means Prince Green Leaf! Perfect name for him! He liked riding on my hat outside.

 

[MantisMatt14]

Nice story, and indeed I hope she makes it to the February meeting too. Great to hear you have such a friend with her. Curious though who is her other friend in the picture of your hand? Some great shots though, and thanks for sharing.

I've read that the Rhombodera makes a great companion, and it looks like you would agree. I'll have to see about getting one myself.

That was her sister who was very very blue for a rhombo. I brought her to school one day and she ate I pesticide induced grasshopper and died a week later. I was really mad about my mistake...

 

[CosbyArt]

That was her sister who was very very blue for a rhombo. I brought her to school one day and she ate I pesticide induced grasshopper and died a week later. I was really mad about my mistake...

Nice, it was a very pretty blue - I just figured the camera had the colors messed-up (mine is bad at that). Sorry to hear about her death with the grasshopper. Sadly accidents do happen, I've had my share lately, but as her sister has proven your doing fine.

I'm curious after looking at some of your other species, which is your favorite mantis species so far?

 

[mantiseater]

I had a male Stalli. His name was Legolas. It means Prince Green Leaf! Perfect name for him! He liked riding on my hat outside.

in what language does it mean prince green leaf?

 

[Sticky]

It is the Elven language from Lord Of The Rings.

 

[CosbyArt]

It is the Elven language from Lord Of The Rings.

Very unique name, a nice touch.

 

[bobericc]

Lol goodluck with your rhombos!

They are such a pleasure to have

 

[MantisMatt14]

Nice, it was a very pretty blue - I just figured the camera had the colors messed-up (mine is bad at that). Sorry to hear about her death with the grasshopper. Sadly accidents do happen, I've had my share lately, but as her sister has proven your doing fine.

I'm curious after looking at some of your other species, which is your favorite mantis species so far?

I really love Idolos and most hierodula genus. My favorite at the moment has to be violins or shields. SO much personality and color!

 

[MantisMatt14]

Lol goodluck with your rhombos!

They are such a pleasure to have

They are such sweet hearts to the people they are used to yet hate strangers! Haha. if you ever have any available I would love to get some more! Valida and basilis is my next wants so keep me posted