Orchid Mantis Catching Prey
3 of my 5 sub-adult (L6) Orchid Mantids (Hymenopus coronatus: Hymenopodidae) catching flies.
These mantids are strongly sexually dysmorphic, with males only reaching 3 cm (1.18") in length, while females grow up to 6 cm (2.36") long.
The males also have much shorter lifespans and are faster growing than females, which makes breeding especially difficult. To compensate for this difference males are usually kept at lower temperatures and get less food than females, slowing their development and increasing their lifespan. This is also what I'll be attempting.
This was filmed with a Canon EOS 7D + Tokina ATX 2,8/100 Pro D (+ 65mm Electronic Extension Tubes).
Music: Kevin MacLeod - Shores of Avalon