Welcome home, mantis 1 and mantis 2

[callisto9]

I got my package from DeShawn today of two (thanks for the freebie!) double shield mantids. They are so teeny and so cute! And fast! And kinda jumpy. I've already almost lost one and dumped the entire container of fly pupae in the process. Thank goodness for hardwood floors. 

These are my first nymphs. Anything I need to know right away that's different than keeping adults? I put some pupae in each of their containers. Do I mist the sides right away?

Do people handle mantids this young? I'm so worried they'll jump or run away... they are much more active than my Carolina or Chinese mantids. 

Super stoked! Can't wait to watch them grow up.

 

[cwebster]

What gorgeous little guys!

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

Sweet. Double shields are a cool species.

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

I got my package from DeShawn today of two (thanks for the freebie!) double shield mantids. They are so teeny and so cute! And fast! And kinda jumpy. I've already almost lost one and dumped the entire container of fly pupae in the process. Thank goodness for hardwood floors. 

These are my first nymphs. Anything I need to know right away that's different than keeping adults? I put some pupae in each of their containers. Do I mist the sides right away?

Do people handle mantids this young? I'm so worried they'll jump or run away... they are much more active than my Carolina or Chinese mantids. 

Super stoked! Can't wait to watch them grow up.

View attachment 10079

View attachment 10080

is that lined paper haha if it is thats a tiny guy!

 

[callisto9]

Yes, it's lined paper. They are about the size of a dime. I'm amazed that something that small and delicate-looking can survive shipping. 

 

[Connor]

Cute little guys! 

 

[DefyTheNorms]

Congrats, they are adorable. I handle my very tiny Budwing daily, without issue. He seems to enjoy being out on my hand. Sometimes he'll walk around but mostly he just sits there observing and grooming.
 

https://www.facebook.com/lise.doylegoss/videos/pcb.10155126743367205/10155126738342205/?type=3&theater

 

[Krissim Klaw]

If you are worried about loosing them when taking them out/doing stuff in their cages, one trick you can do is get a white towel or two and lay them down on the floor and sit in the middle while you handle them. It makes it far easier to keep an eye on them if they decide to go springing off your hand.

 

[callisto9]

Congrats, they are adorable. I handle my very tiny Budwing daily, without issue. He seems to enjoy being out on my hand. Sometimes he'll walk around but mostly he just sits there observing and grooming.
 

https://www.facebook.com/lise.doylegoss/videos/pcb.10155126743367205/10155126738342205/?type=3&theater

That's so cute! My guys seem really jumpy/skittish. And with them being as small as they are, I'm worried about losing them.

 

[DefyTheNorms]

That's so cute! My guys seem really jumpy/skittish. And with them being as small as they are, I'm worried about losing them.

You can definitely do what @Krissim Klaw suggested. I do something similar with a white sheet on the table. 

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

After I got my new nymph I completely forgot how skittish they were. Almost lost mine behind my couch. 

 

[callisto9]

After I got my new nymph I completely forgot how skittish they were. Almost lost mine behind my couch. 

Do they tend to become less skittish as they age, then?

 

[PrayingMantisPets]

Do they tend to become less skittish as they age, then?

Nymphs are way more skidding than adults. It honestly depends on the species. Some mantises will run, some will do threat displays, and some will use camouflage (but we see them) haha. 

 

[callisto9]

Both are still doing really well! One is a tad bigger than the other. They have each molted three times (what does this mean, instar-wise?). I moved the slightly larger one into the large critter keeper and he ate three crickets in the first hour.  

These pics are both of Mantis 2!

 

[River Dane]

@callisto9 

Aw, that’s adorable. Love the coloration. Glad they’re doing well.

Also, when you say they molted three times, since you got them,I assume? If so, what instar were they in when you first received them?

 

[CosbyArt]

They have each molted three times (what does this mean, instar-wise?).

If you bought them from DeShawn here at L2, then they are now L5 (their 5th instar). Which means they should have 3 molts left until adults, as most species molt until L8. See here for a comparison of the instars.

Very nice coloring on the nymph, makes me miss my Double Shields (Pnigomantis medioconstricta).

 

[Connor]

I love their coloration! My L5 female is a orangish purple... this species is so pretty! As the others said yours should be L5 if you got them at L2. Best of luck with them!

 

[callisto9]

If you bought them from DeShawn here at L2, then they are now L5 (their 5th instar). Which means they should have 3 molts left until adults, as most species molt until L8. See here for a comparison of the instars.

Very nice coloring on the nymph, makes me miss my Double Shields (Pnigomantis medioconstricta).

When they came, there was one molt in the container. They have molted two times since I've had them. I'll check out the comparison guide - thank you!!

I'm happy they are slightly different colors, too. I swear, this time, I'm waiting to name them until I know the sex!

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

 

[Connor]

They should be easily sexable right now. If you want to post pics I could let you know what they are.