Size of mantids?

[ausar318]

I have only had experiences with Chinese mantids, and apparently they are a decently huge species. I have kept many L1 nymphs, and they start out a decent size and grow very quickly, often doubling (at least) with every molt. 

My question is, since I am wanting to breed some orchids and ghosts here pretty soon, how small are the nymphs when they hatch? Every caresheey that I’ve read said that most nymphs need to start on melanogaster FF. Are the nymphs really that small, of these two species (orchid and ghost) that they can’t even take on a D. hydei? 

All I know, is that when I got my orchids, they were L5 (female), and (L2 male). The female, shown below, was only a little larger than my fingernail. 

she’s much larger now, but is still pretty small considering she’s presub/sub (still unsure as to which one). Maybe it is just that I’m used to the Chinese mantids, so I have no idea what other, exotic species look like. 

So my question is, how small are normal orchid/Ghost L1 nymphs? Does anyone have any pictures that shows their size (like having them next to a penny or something else familiar, to use as a reference). Also, will I want to start culturing melanogasters for them, or will D. hydei work? 

Thanks in advance!

 

[MantisGirl13]

I am still waiting for my orchid ooth to hatch, but I know that ghosts shouldn't have any trouble taking down a D. hydei. 

- MantisGirl13

 

[ausar318]

How big are Ghost nymphs, usually? I’ve read that they come out relatively large, for how small they are as adults. 

Also, from your experiences, are ghosts really as easy to keep/breed as all the caresheets say?

 

[Synapze]

How big are Ghost nymphs, usually? I’ve read that they come out relatively large, for how small they are as adults.

L1 

 

[Rick]

I've always started them on mels. 

 

[ausar318]

@Rick

So I should probably start looking for a melanogaster culture? I’ve read that they aren’t as hard to culture as D. hydei, so I shouldn’t have any troubles, I don’t think. 

@Synapze

thabks for showing me that video! They are just as small as I would have expected

 

[MantisGirl13]

The ghosts are very easy to keep, and really easy to breed. I had very good luck with mine, and they are the cutest little things as nymphs, and very amusing to watch as adults.

- MantisGirl13

 

[ausar318]

I’ve been watching some videos of them, and I agree completely! I hope I am able to have as much luck as you. I’m getting 5 females and 3 males, so I’m hoping to get quite a few ooths to hatch!

 

[minomantis]

So I've only kept Chinese, Orchids, and now Giant Rainforest mantids and orchid nymphs are quite small.  But you also have to remember what the mantis' specialty is.  Orchids are monsters at taking out flying insects and in my experience, they don't hesitate much taking on prey bigger than them.  Good luck though!

 

[MantisGirl13]

Good luck with your babies!

- MantisGirl13