Unicorns!

[Mime454]

My female just molted to adult. The male has been adult for a few weeks now. When should I start trying o breed them?

Also, some people say that these are pretty communal. Should I put them both in a net cage and just let them mate when ready? Or should I do what I always do and introduce one into the others cage while I watch?

And lastly, is there any demand out there for these? I don't see them for sale often, but I'm not sure if no one wants them, or if there is no availability. I'm definitely going to breed them, they're one of my favorites. Just curious.

 

[aychen222]

What are some of the reasons that make these your favorites?

 

[D_Hemptress]

i want one just because of its name

 

[Mime454]

Their awkward body type, their long neck, their spidery legs, and the cool contrast between the wings and the body. Plus, they're apparently communal, so it would be nice to have an entire colony of them!

 

[Malakyoma]

There's a lot of desire for them that I've seen. They're not for sale often because nobody has them.

If you only have the one pair do not risk him getting eaten under any circumstance. I'd keep them separate and introduce them when you think they should be mated. As to when that is, just watch for her to call. Don't just throw them together at 3 weeks and assume, wait until you see her calling or she lays a dud ooth. Only then will you be sure he doesn't get eaten before mating.

Just don't let your desire to mate them and make some money get in the way of taking proper care of them. Even if you don't get any demand for them breed them to keep them in culture, and don't try to hurry them to calling. Let them do their thing, take good care of them while they grow, and the mating will just happen when its time.

 

[aychen222]

Personality? Eating behavior? Any other endearing behavior(like how the ghosts sway)?

 

[Mime454]

@Malak, I have 2 males. One is a late subadult.

It's not really about the money, it's about not being swamped with them. Any money would just go back into my setups. It's not as if I'm going to go buy an ipad with it or something. I'm really bad at keeping a ton of nymphs alive, I like to be more focused on a few.

 

[Mime454]

Personality? Eating behavior? Any other endearing behavior(like how the ghosts sway)?

They sway a bit. Look really cool when they drink. I've seen some play dead. It's really cute when they turn their head because of how long their neck is. The female that I have is really aggressive towards me. Threatens almost every time I walk by.

 

[aychen222]

That's awesome, I can't get my budwings or my creos to threat display at all.

 

[Mime454]

That's awesome, I can't get my budwings or my creos to threat display at all.

It's just this one that does it. I don't know if its common to the whole species.

 

[agent A]

they need a rainbow and they'll be all set

 

[Malakyoma]

@Malak, I have 2 males. One is a late subadult. It's not really about the money, it's about not being swamped with them. Any money would just go back into my setups. It's not as if I'm going to go buy an ipad with it or something. I'm really bad at keeping a ton of nymphs alive, I like to be more focused on a few.

I didnt meen to imply you were greedy about it. Just don't want anyone losing sight of why we raise mantids in the first place.

 

[OctoberRainne]

I happen to like the unicorns,never kept them yet,got cryptics for now instead,but would definitely keep them if time was right

 

[sally]

I would love some unicorns... Good luck on the breeding