r/prayingmantis

The baby is eating right now and it's abdomen just looks glossy? And full is this something to be concerned about? And how can I tell gender? Ty!!

I bought an egg case for our summer project. I plan on releasing most of the babies into our garden, and keeping one as a pet.

I'm concerned they could get through the netting when they hatch and then I'll have babies all over my house.

I also have an insect catcher with finer mesh, but would prefer to keep the egg case here where I can keep a closer look on it.

Will it suffice? (Pen for scale. Sorry, out of bananas)

Also, just for the record, I'm currently growing vining plants to put in the terrarium. Waiting for the roots to become a little stronger. His home will be a lovely oasis by the time he gets here.

My sibylla pretiosa which I have had for six month has laid an infertile ootheca as per usual, but her abdomen seems to be stuck on the ootheca. The problem is that when an ootheca is all dried up, it is quite solid and I am afraid that pulling her out would result in a deadly injury.
What should I do ?

Hey guys 👋

Does her or his belly look okay?

Before the final molt 4 days ago it looked more smooth and plump, now it seems shrunken. Like it didn't grow at all after the molt compared to the wings, seems like folded skin or harmonica (idk how to describe it). Molt was normal + grooming and eating seems normal too. Although I am a bit​ surprised as I thought it was a girl but now it seems more like a boy. ​I am posting a photo of the molt before this one and there you can see the belly was really plump and wider 🤷