Spring...M. religiosa

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Yeah I had about 300 total hatched, now we're down to 100... and the numbers continue to thin. It's very interesting to see how nature plays its role.

 
what I did was randomly choose out the nymphs I'm going keep (6) and put each one in their own little container with a few fruit flies, then I released the rest outside since obviously I can't raise all of them.

If you leave them all in one container none will survive for long, all the ones that I put in their own cup are still doing well and are at L3 :)

Btw I've noticed that this species can be fairly canabalistic as I've witnessed it several times

 
But he did separate them. So he should be able to raise a fairly large number. It is interesting how nature takes its toll though. I think a lot of those that died for no reason would've gotten eaten by some other predator.

 
Yep, I'm left w/ 25...

They have begun to molt to L2. They seem very weak as nymphs which most likely accounts for the high causalities. Nonetheless the remainder I do have left seem to be going strong. I did release approximately 50 into my backyard and where they were collected. I have yet to see one I have released.The ooths seem done, we'll see how it goes though.

 
Great to hear. I guess 25 is still a large number for breeding them. Are you able to feed them something other than fruit flies yet? And have you noticed any cannibalism?

 
Cannibalism doesn't really seem to be an issue. They just drop dead like flies which I find is interesting.

They are still on FFs

 
Wow, mold is very susceptible to killing these fellas. This is ridiculous.

The molt to second instar is pretty cool. They start to show different colors. Very cool.

 
UPDATE:

This species is bloody strage. I tested different humidity levels amongst each mantid, and I have concluded that humidity above 60% seems almost lethal for these fellas.

I'm only left with 13, however I will check outside to see if I can find a few I let free. If not, I'll have to wait til September to continue these diary again. Time will tell.

 
lemmiwinks said:
UPDATE:

This species is bloody strage. I tested different humidity levels amongst each mantid, and I have concluded that humidity above 60% seems almost lethal for these fellas.

I'm only left with 13, however I will check outside to see if I can find a few I let free. If not, I'll have to wait til September to continue these diary again. Time will tell.
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In a matter of about 2 weeks, you're down to 13? You're reminding me of my past experience with these mantids. Nonetheless, it's good that you are keeping track of what's happening. Hopefully you can find what the deal is with this species. The next time I deal with this species, I'm going to keep them dry, and at the same time, keep them hydrated.

 
UPDATE:

Molting to third instar :) . Starting to outgrow the 12oz containers.

I have kept the humidity low, and I have only lost 1, I'm down to 12.

They still prefer D. mels over D. hydei for some reason, easier to catch?

 
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Wow, down to twelve. Ntsees, do you have this species as well? Unfortunately, none I mine have hatched yet. Does anyone know have any input on the chances of mine hatching? Lemminweeks, did you test to see how they fair in low humidity?

 
MantidLord said:
Wow, down to twelve. Ntsees, do you have this species as well? Unfortunately, none I mine have hatched yet. Does anyone know have any input on the chances of mine hatching? Lemminweeks, did you test to see how they fair in low humidity?
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Yep, read the update above ;) .

The chances of hatching are high provided that you gave them a diapause. How long has it been?

 
They were layed in October and September, and I put them outside for a diapuse. Outside temps were about 50 degrees in the winter. Btw, do you have any pics?

 
MantidLord said:
They were layed in October and September, and I put them outside for a diapuse. Outside temps were about 50 degrees in the winter. Btw, do you have any pics?
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I'll try to take some when my sis lets me use her camera...

Yeatzee, don't say anything if you look ;) .

 
MantidLord said:
Wow, down to twelve. Ntsees, do you have this species as well? Unfortunately, none I mine have hatched yet. Does anyone know have any input on the chances of mine hatching? Lemminweeks, did you test to see how they fair in low humidity?
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They do occur in my area, although I haven't seen them for a while now. In regards to me having oothecae, nope. I'm focusing on Iris oratoria since they seem easier. Still waiting for them to hatch. If your oothecae has been incubating naturally (meaning it was left outside since last year), it should have hatched by now I think (according to my local M. religiosa). But, give it another month or two.

 
Ntsees said:
They do occur in my area, although I haven't seen them for a while now. In regards to me having oothecae, nope. I'm focusing on Iris oratoria since they seem easier. Still waiting for them to hatch. If your oothecae has been incubating naturally (meaning it was left outside since last year), it should have hatched by now I think (according to my local M. religiosa). But, give it another month or two.
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Ntsees, if you manage to catch some adults in the near future, I'd love to get my hands on few to see how size and girth vary amongst each regional species.

 
As far as I. oraoria goes, mine haven't hatched either. I actually caught the religiosa specimens from sonoma, in northern california (4 hours from fresno). I'll give them another month to hatch. I'll be going back to CA in the summer, where I should be able to find some mature mantids. BTW, what conditions do you have your I. oratoria in? I've never seenany in CA, but I'd heard they're well established there.

 
Figured Id do an update...

I had an incident with fruit flies... err, they died...?

I have 7 nymphs left, the rest died due to starvation.

They are L3 and they have began to turn green.

 

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