Some exotic species in the U.S and their ambiguous status check-

[planetq]

Hello friends-

I just wanted to make a thread here about some species in the U.S that have an unclear status on wether or not they exist here,

Because I think there might be some value in keeping track.

As we all know, it is common that many species introduced to hobbyists in the U.S vanish from captivity because of failure in breeding, (and understandably so).

The species that I am curious about is mostly:

Cilnia humeralis

Sphodromantis lineola

Idolomantis diabolica

Does anyone in the U.S currently own these species? if so, it would be great to see a little evidence that these bloodlines are being preserved here.

I know this thread might possibly not even get any responds, but it would be great to know if such species are being kept-

thank you!

 

[Rick]

I believe the first two are/were. I know I haven't seen any sphodromantis here in years. They are a plain mantis but I really liked them. Great for those new to the hobby as well. The cilnia was pretty popular. As far as the idolomantis, I have no clue.

 

[planetq]

I believe the first two are/were. I know I haven't seen any sphodromantis here in years. They are a plain mantis but I really liked them. Great for those new to the hobby as well. The cilnia was pretty popular. As far as the idolomantis, I have no clue.

Yes, I think Sphodromantis lineola is a gorgeous species. People easily brand them and a handful of other species as the 'boring green ones', but the beauty of their design is in their simplicity and subtlety. Not many people see that.

The reason why I ask is because I think that these species are no longer in the U.S. All three of them from what I can tell. I am sure there are a good number of mantis hobbyists who aren't on these boards all the time, so there is a possibility that these species are living on here, but honestly I would say that I kind of doubt that.

I just really think that there is value in keeping track of which species is introduced here for hobbyists, and how their status changes. An issue that isn't really dealt too much in this community (and thankfully, it hasn't become such a big issue) is population control, in terms of the foreign species that are floating amongst hobbyists.

I have a healthy adult Parasphendale sp. pair, but I am not going to mate them, because I know that the species is rather available and abundant constantly. If I did proceed with their mating, and the female lays 3 ooths, then what?

Then I end up with so many Parasphendale that it becomes impossible to manage them, and I can't let them go, and since it's a species that is not high in demand, I can't easily sell them.

I think to be a responsible mantis hobbyist, taking the step of not breeding certain species for population control is a necessary decision.

On the other hand, I think it also status reports become somewhat valuable information to those breeders/hobbyists who might be the very few in the U.S that still have a possibility of breeding the above species that are currently M.I.A.

So if you are a U.S breeder/hobbyist that currently have one of those species, or know of someone who does in the U.S, it would be great if you could let us know!

Thanks!

 

[bassist]

We discussed this a few times in the chatroom, it is an issue that happens not only in the US but in Europe, a good example being the 'boxer' species such as Oxypilus distinctus and Otomantis sp. they where pretty common year(s) ago but are very rare now this will most likely happen to Ephestiasula pictipes and Hestiasula brunneriana people will do so well with them then they will drop the species as they may become bored with them to the point where little to no one is keeping them.

 

[ABbuggin]

You can add Tarachodes to the list (not sure if Yen has them though). I had 5 females (5th generation) that were mated. Sadly, none produced any viable ooth. They are my 2nd favorite species (2nd to gongylus) and I really miss them. So if somebody out there has an ooths they are willing to trade (low on $$ ATM) let me know!

 

[planetq]

You can add Tarachodes to the list (not sure if Yen has them though). I had 5 females (5th generation) that were mated. Sadly, none produced any viable ooth. They are my 2nd favorite species (2nd to gongylus) and I really miss them. So if somebody out there has an ooths they are willing to trade (low on $$ ATM) let me know!

Yeah Gongylus is my favorite species too- I think they really do have the most appealing characteristics out of all mantises.

So much charm.

I never had Tarachodes, what do you like about them so much?

Haha there should be a 'species review' column on our mantid forum!

Also, how many D.lobata keepers do we have? I haven't seen them mentioned to much here from the U.S.

I have a healthy mating pair (Male is adult and female is sub) and if it seems like there isn't too many of them out there, was going to attempt mating.

 

[bassist]

Also, how many D.lobata keepers do we have? I haven't seen them mentioned to much here from the U.S.I have a healthy mating pair (Male is adult and female is sub) and if it seems like there isn't too many of them out there, was going to attempt mating.

Attempt a mating.

 

[ismart]

Attempt a mating.

+1

 

[planetq]

Attempt a mating.

Hahaha. Goodness me.

 

[mantidsaresweet]

Yeah breed those things :lol: !

I like the idea of trying to keep records of what species are in the US. Maybe we can form a little group because some may not want to say what they are keeping.