What to expect with each instar?

[dgerndt]

This is my first time raising mantids from newly hatched nymphs, so I'm wondering about the different instars. I tried searching through the old topics, but I didn't have much luck. So, here are my many questions!

How many times does a mantis molt before it's an adult? When are they sub adult? What about sub sub adult? Are they L1 when they first hatch? At what instar is it possible to see differences in males and females (other than counting segments)? Do all mantis species have the same amount of days between molts if they're molting to the same instar?

Sorry for so many questions!

 

[manzano167]

i think its 7 molts between molts

Their subadults when they molted 6 times

sub sub adults 5 molts

Other ones i dont know

they all molt at difrent times except when you get lucky!

 

[dgerndt]

they all molt at difrent times except when you get lucky!

Thanks! Now I just have absolutely no idea when my Chinese nymph is going to molt. lol

 

[MantidLord]

Chinese GENERALLY molt about once a week until they reach about the L4 stage. L1=hatchlings. I'm able to tell the difference between male and female at about L5, though you may be able to tell sooner or later (depending on if you count the segments). Not all individuals will have the same amount of days between molts. Depends on food intake, moisture, and other variables. Good luck!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

around L3-L5 the males should be noticeable thinner(long thin abdomen) than the fatter more bulky females, the females should be larger over all buy L5. and yes L1 is newly hatched and L7 is adult.

 

[MantidLord]

Also for me, the females head is more larger than the males at L5.

 

[Rick]

Subadult is the last stage before adult.

 

[dgerndt]

Thanks for your help, everyone. I felt like a huge n00b asking, but now I feel much better knowing more about the different instars.

UPDATE: My Chinese nymph molted last night, just two days after I predicted! Yay!

 

[Ricardo]

if you don't know if it's a subadult just look at the wings. They shouldn't be fully developed , but there should be small wingbuds.

 

[yen_saw]

UPDATE: My Chinese nymph molted last night, just two days after I predicted! Yay!

My last experience with Chinese mantis was they moult more than 7 times to reach adult. Would be great if you could keep track of the number of moults.

 

[dgerndt]

My last experience with Chinese mantis was they moult more than 7 times to reach adult. Would be great if you could keep track of the number of moults.

Oh, I am. I'm keeping records of each molt and the days between molts for all my mantids. I'm also keeping notes on coloration, eating behavior, and housing. I'm a little obsessed. :lol:

 

[yen_saw]

Oh, I am. I'm keeping records of each molt and the days between molts for all my mantids. I'm also keeping notes on coloration, eating behavior, and housing. I'm a little obsessed. :lol:

Without the obsession I would probably have quit this hobby a long time ago too. Please keep us update with your mantis growing process and all the best .

 

[dgerndt]

Without the obsession I would probably have quit this hobby a long time ago too. Please keep us update with your mantis growing process and all the best .

Thanks, and I will. I recently noticed that one of my mios is starting to look greenish. It's the first color difference I've seen yet, so I think the color starts to show at L3.