Ripley the Orchid Mantis

[PreyingAllis]

This is Ripley who just completed a successful & quick molt into L3 (looks bigger bc of the macro lenses I have).
I believe Ripley is definitely a male but open to feedback. He is my first Mantis - but dont freak out. I know Orchids are more difficult than some species but I’m an experienced keeper of invertebrates (terrestrial and aquatic) and creator of micro-environments. Tracking all the environmental data on Govee and adjusting as needed.

Here are some pics. I’d be excited to hear any tricks or tips you have.

 

[Kungfumantis]

Congratulations on your first mantis. With the macro lens you have you can definitely figure out what gender by looking at the tail end. There is a post on this forum about sexing orchids this way as well as on Reddit. He does appear to be a male though.

 

[PreyingAllis]

Yes, I’ve seen those posts and they were super helpful. I’m gonna say male. That’s ok though, he’s a cutie and very good at posing for photos.