Breeding
Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus Coronatus) Example
Once the males and females have reached adulthood (got wings) they need to mature before breeding. The females can take 4-8 weeks to fatten up and develop eggs ready for mating, males can take 2-6 weeks.
Females of all mantis species are typically much more aggressive and cannibalistic than males. Inevitably this proves most apparent when they meet to mate. Contrary to some beliefs, the female cannibalising the male is not required for a successful mating.
This picture shows a pair of Orchid mantises mating. The males are only a fraction of the size of females in this species, but in most species males and females are a similar size, although males are usually of a much lighter build for flying which they do more often than females.
The picture on the right is of a male Orchid with a death wish!
Cannibalism usually occurs when the males are not cautious enough or stand right in front of the female’s giant claws and look adoringly at her… not a very bright idea.
Females are so incredibly flexible, they can reach almost every part of their body with their claws, including an American style bin truck manoeuvre which would grab this male from behind her head in a split second.
Fortuanately this silly boy lived to tell the tale, as we do our best to monitor matings throughout. This is not only to ensure the males survive but also to confirm if and when they have mated.
Once the Orchid male is on the female’s back, he drums with his claws to encourage her to manoeuvre her abdomen so he can mate.
If the female is unreceptive she will turn around to try and grab him or simply flutter her wings to flick him off her back.
