So how does one ID a mantis?

[Rivalpc]

Ok, So i have a few in the tank and cant get them out. I decided to do more research on the Mantis. Smart and cunning hunters they are and often nice looking. So I started to wonder what he was and how to ID it.
How does one ID them?
Here is the first one of mine.

Heres the second

 

[dc]

I know the color of the merel spots {kind of like on the forearms} and the shape of the back tail aid in IDs. My first was a oerstedii, his spots were purple. My new guy is a wennerae, his are white with a couple darks spots on the edge. That's a start.

 

[catdoc]

Rivalpc, I have no idea what your mantids are, but I love the coloring on the first one--very pretty!

Deb, do you know of a site that helps with the id? An id logarithm or something like a flow chart to help get to the id?

 

[dc]

I pretty much rely on Dr. Roy on IDs. The Blueboard is pretty interesting tho.
Mantis