S. limbata 'flattening' themselves...

[kamakiri]

Just noticed today, that some of my new S. limbata L2 nymphs are flattening themselves against whatever they are standing or hanging from. Seem to do it more under bright light or sunlight. Not observed with any of the L1s. But almost all of the L2s will do it, then pop-up when prey walks by. They seem to do it more on relatively flat surfaces, but have also seen them become stick-like when on something narrow.

Has anyone else noticed this behavior with any of their mantises? Never seen it before with M. religiosa or T. sinensis.

 

[revmdn]

I see the same thing with both my giant asians.

 

[hibiscusmile]

My orchids do it, but not when scared, just cause they are lazy babies and like to stretch out! But I have a giant sheild who does it whenever I feed her.

 

[Rick]

Many kinds do this. I see some do it when I come around. Just another part of their survival strategy.

 

[The_Asa]

I've seen some of all species do this and then they don't do it from molt to molt. It appears kinda random...

 

[hibiscusmile]

Well I just got thru looking at an 2nd instar orchid, and the only thing u can see sitting up is its butt! it is all flat and its butt is in the air, I poked it with my finger to make sure it was alive, cause I blew air on it and it didnt move, it is just resting.

 

[sk8erkho]

Yeah, My Giant Asians use to do it as well. Kinda like Ricks when I would approach to clean their tanks or feed them they would sort thin out,all stick like. My nephew figures it's to disguse itself to throw us off upon approach a sort of "IIII am nooot a maaannnttiss!!" kinda thing he thinks!!! Kids!!! :lol:

 

[kamakiri]

:lol: Funny, sk8erkho...like that guy who 'willed himself invisible' to avoid being shot or robbed.

Well, I suppose I just may not have noticed it with the other nymphs I had before.

These limbatas just seem to do it like a light switch. Put 'em in the sun and they settle down flat in just a couple of seconds. Move into the shade and they instantly pop up.

 

[The_Asa]

:lol: Funny, sk8erkho...like that guy who 'willed himself invisible' to avoid being shot or robbed. Well, I suppose I just may not have noticed it with the other nymphs I had before.

These limbatas just seem to do it like a light switch. Put 'em in the sun and they settle down flat in just a couple of seconds. Move into the shade and they instantly pop up.

You'd think it wold be the other way around :huh:

 

[kamakiri]

You'd think it wold be the other way around :huh:

All too new to me...I only noticed because I brought some out into the window light to take some pictures/macro. The only time they didn't flatten was when they were running around...or when they were on my finger, or on the curved edge of the lid. So it seems to me that they know when they are on something flat or stick like. Because even those two poses are something different.

 

[nasty bugger]

This is my first batch that I've had, for about 3 weeks now, but I've only seen them emulate sticks, but not flatten yet.

They are getting where they make a run for it when I open the containers though.

 

[shorty]

Yeah, my Sphodromantis lineola nymphs do this a lot. I haven't seen any of my other species do it, though.

 

[kamakiri]

At least I know it's not so new now! And that it does seem to be somewhat limited in the species that do it.

It's also amusing to me that they'll still do this with a full gut and straighten the abdomen to achieve the best flatness :lol:

L3s are still showing the same behavior now.

 

[nasty bugger]

I have noticed them flatten their bodies lately, but not up against other things, just while they stand there. I was wondering if maybe it was some mantis yoga that aids with digestion or with the bodies adjustments.

What is the curled 'tail' or abdomen area indicate. I saw one do what seemed to be display some submissiveness by curling it's tail, then running away from another mantis.