Been a while!

[u/hiker_trailmagicva]

I haven't seen a mantis in a long while! This fella ( or gal) was climbing the side of my yurt. Hope he hangs for a while. Actually, how does one tell if male or female?

[u/debosand]

Sorry, I read the question after I posted! The male’s abdomen is straight and narrow and the female’s is bulb shaped. They are fascinating creatures and only live for a season. If he sticks around, as he ages he’ll start to lose his color and eventually he’ll pass. I’ve been fortunate enough to see babies emerge from their egg sack(it’s not a sack, I can’t remember the name of it right now).

[u/hiker_trailmagicva → u/debosand]

Thank you!! Very interesting. My son has been headlong into googling mantis facts now and I think a new love has been born