Gambian SE flower mantis

(4-8-07)
I received ootheca from Germany about few weeks ago. Two of them hatched out few days ago, they resembled a smaller version of
Asian flower mantis (Creobotra sp.). They are as small as Oxypilus but able to handle larger prey so not problem feeding on D.
melanogaster. They have sharp pointy eyes even at L1.

(5-12-2007)
Some of my spotted eye fllower mantis have molted into L5, they are actually not skittish and will go for flies that is larger that its own
size! This species is not too particular about food. They are quite hardy and can be kept without either high or low humidity.

(6-16-2007)
I actually have some adults of this species now. They have shiny wings and not as short as i first thought. Both male and female reach
about 3 cm as adult. A low maintenance species as far a si know, and not a very cannibalistic species. I hope to mate them soon.

(6-29-2007)
Many pairs started to mate, some female will mate right after 2-3 days into adulthood. Some older female will almost certain to
produce ootheca right after mating. I have plenty of oothecae now from at least a dozen mated female.

(7-19-2007)
I noticed that once a female been mated, she will continue to lay as many ootheca as possible as long as she is capable to, so i have
loads of oothecae now. Most of the oothecae are in average size of half an inch, but i have seen huge ootheca of an inch and also very
small one. They are not common but interesting to see such a different ootheca size from a small mantis.

(8-15-2007)
hundreds of nymphs emerged eventhough i have tried my best to sell all the available oothecae. They appear to be easy to incubate,
the ootheca is small but appear to be very "hardy" and almost all oothecae hatched out fine.

(9-15-2007)
Female of this species continue to lay loads of ooth, they are the real breeding machines. Each female must have laid over 20 ooth in
her life time, pretty amazing! Guess i am all done with this species for now.

(7-16-2008)
Well this may sounds redundant. But i have decided to keep track of the first batch of this species that hatched during shipment. I am
interested in keeping track of the molting, food, temperature, origin of stock, etc.

Stock: Believe it is the 3rd generation from the original stock coming in from Gambia. The one is from Dr. Yager.
1st instar
Hatched: 7-14-08
Nymphs: 16
Food: D. melanogaster (wingless type). Nymphs didn't take the food on 15th but most started to eat today (16th)
Temperature/Humidity: 83F/60%
Cage: Keeping in group in 32oz plastic container with raffia straw.

(7-19-2008)
I have many adult females, but i think i will only keep one for tracking up purpose. This female was mate on 14th July and produce an
ootheca two days later. Currently the ootheca is being kept under 83F/60%.

(7-24-08)
Some 1st instar nymphs have molted into the next instar (2nd instar) after 10 days with plenty of food. Misting was kept down to only
once every 3-4 days. The 2nd instar is about 6-7 mm compared to only 3-4 mm hatchling. Currently I am still feeding them D.
melanogaster but will attempt D. hydei after another molt. Although I suspect the 2nd instar is capable of wrestling down the larger fruit
flies. There is no plan to sex them yet at this stage. So far I lost 2 nymphs, both due to my mistake crushing them on the lid, bummer!
No cannibalism observed so far so I am keeping them together. I have decided not to keep track of the adult female and letting all 9
adult female go instead. (Edit on 25th July: Only one from the 14 nymphs remain at 1st instar)