Sexing my Hierodula

[Ellithain]

Could anyone help me *** my mantis? I think I count 6 segments but this is my first one so I wanted to check with more experienced keepers. It is L4 as of just this week.

 

[River Dane]

Looks female to me.

 

[Mantis Lady]

For me too.

 

[Ellithain]

Yay! Thanks guys! 

 

[MantisGirl13]

Yep! You have a pretty female!

- MantisGirl13

 

[Ellithain]

Aw thanks! I can't wait until she turns gold! hopefully one more molt and I'll start to see it! 

 

[bugboymark]

Hey Ellithain.  Mantis coloration varies within species based on a lot of factors (temp, humidity, amount of ambient light when they molt, etc.)  What I can tell you, based on the 3 Hierodula females I raised, is that the golden coloration didn't really start to pop until adulthood.  After their final molt, they just seemed to get more and more that color as they got older...starting with their wings.  Regardless, they're really pretty when the golden color does start to come out.  Good luck! 

 

[Ellithain]

Good to know! Thanks!