can anyone I.D my mantis?

[MantisDude]

I have had him for about 2 months now and he's very active... I can't get really great pics with my camera but I hope these will do. is there any way to tell what kind of mantis this guy is? he's about 2" long.. I got him at the LFS for $6

can anybody tell me anything about him?

thanks for any help...

 

[majestic sea life]

well since you got him in tampa bay im going to say a N.wenn its full grown. one day if u wake up and its neon green its fine lol. but Red is norm so is green. it may not be a N.wenn but it looks like one to me.

~Brian

 

[sdm]

N. wennerae

 

[MantisDude]

Man, I wish he would turn green, I'd love it!

he knows I'm talking about him.. he's looking at me.

 

[MantisDude]

would the mantis turn color just like that overnight?

 

[Jonny]

whats the deal with them always living in shells?

 

[sdm]

Mantisdude, not unless he molts overnight! Most likely it depends on (A) lighting (B) background (C) surroundings. Should take anywhere from a week to a month (I'm not sure, phil hasnt molted yet)

Jonny, they dont always. Mine lives in some pvc piping.

 

[Jonny]

mine came in a shell and so has like 5 other peoples i know just find it odd

 

[sdm]

Interesting...well, just for a moment, lets suppose you're absolutely right. Lets suppose(and this might actually be true, it IS quite possible), that mine just chose the pvc because there wasn't a shell of the right size available, it appeared to be a similar size, and it is similar color. Possibilities? Its a shell of a favored prey. The mantis sees it as an ideal "pre-made" hole. Coincidence. An evolutionary trait, etc.
Actually, I think it might be those three (1,2,4) and that might be true! I'll have to do some research: I have a BEAUTIFUL conch shell from the bahamas that would be GREAT next time(Phil is just starting to get comfortable-I dont want to go through that period where he seems really stressed again).

 

[StrongHandsMcGee]

My mantis, Spanky, also lives in a shell. I'm not sure what kind he is, but he is definitely livin' it up in a turbo shell.