Species identification

[michi1012]

Hi everybody, I hope I'm writing in the right forum section.

I need some help with this little guy which, I suppose, is about to molt into adulthood.

Could you tell me what species he is? This way I'll be able to buy him a partner and try breeding.

Thank you all  ^_^

 

[mantisman 230]

Definitely a Sphodromantis of some kind. My guess would be a male Sphodromantis lineola, but it could be viridis or bacetti.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Where did u get it from?

 

[michi1012]

I bought it at a fair from a man who didn't speak Italian and seemed not to understand what I told him in English. All I can say is that on the box there was written "Sphodromantis sp." and "Cameroon".

Anyway if it is a S. lineola can I breed it with a S. baccettii and vice versa?

Last night it molted, this is it now:

 

[mantisman 230]

No you may not. That isn't how it works. Only for members of the same species.

 

[michi1012]

So is there a way I can know if it is a S. baccettii, lineola or viridis?

 

[Sticky]

You can cross breed them, but it is frowned on very much.

 

[mantisman 230]

In theory, but I doubt it would actually work. These aren't tarantulas in which hybrids are very possible. The genitalia of each species are unique to fit their own females. An attempt at a hybrid would result in either the male being eaten as any other meal would, or the female being injured and unable to lay ooths properly due to possible puncturing from the male's claspers.

 

[LAME]

Doesn't look like the S. viridis I once owned. (In my opinion...) 

Here's the few photos I found of Fritz. (S. viridis) @ sub_adult:

@ adulthood:

 

[MantisRCool]

I agree its a kind of sphodromantis but which one... There are so many