H. orientalis sexing... Help!

[Dimity]

Can anyone tell me the sex of these 2? The first 4 pics are of the larger of the two.

The next pics are of the smaller one.

 

[Isaax Critterz]

I"m no stick bug expert, are there factors that can contribute towards sex determination?

 

[Dimity]

Heterochaeta orientalis is actually an African Cat-eyed Mantis, not a stick insect. And apparently there is almost no sexual dimorphism. Usually the female is heavier, so I'm thinking the larger is female and hoping the smaller is a male, but I don't know for sure. I can say the smaller one is more timid... I think there may be some finer details that may tell, but I don't know what they are.

 

[Purplepuffball]

Looks female based on segments

 

[Dimity]

There are 2 different individuals, the top 3 pics are of the larger (6") heavier one, who does appear to be calling sometimes, and the bottom pics are of the smaller one (5 1/4") who never displays any calling behavior, but also doesn't seem interested in the larger one. I don't think you can tell by counting segments on this species, otherwise it would be easy...

 

[Dimity]

Sorry, top 4 pics are the larger individual...

 

[Dimity]

There is a very slight difference at the very end of the rear, but I don't know if I can get a clear pic of it.

 

[Dimity]

OK, here are some close ups of the rear-ends... 1st are of the big kitty...

The dark part is kind of like a cone... Next pics are of the smaller kitty.... the light parts in the same place are more flat flaps.

 

[paumotu]

#1 female
#2 male

 

[Dimity]

Thank you! Is it the difference in shape of the very end that shows the difference?

 

[paumotu]

yes, the male has a tip that is blunt, the female has a tip that has a slit

 

[Dimity]

Thanks again. Now if I can just get them to mate!

 

[Dimity]

Hey! I got them to mate. I didn't take any pics of that though, privacy seemed very important. And now...

 

[paumotu]

Hey! I got them to mate. I didn't take any pics of that though, privacy seemed very important. And now... View attachment 447715 View attachment 447716 View attachment 447717 View attachment 447718 View attachment 447719 View attachment 447720

Congratulations!! Interested in nymphs if you end up with a good hatch. Heard this species can be a bit of a pain to breed but you’ve done great it seems!

 

[Dimity]

Yeah, I am really happy! I woke up in the morning and he was just riding on her. I left the light off over tha tank. I had already covered 3 sides. I tried to give her a horn worm, which they usually love as a treat but she batted at me and took off towards the back with him riding along. I checked back and they were hooked up a few hours later. Seems like they stayed that way forever, but I know it was several hours. When he disengaged I removed him and moved him away from her. I increased the flies in the tank so she always had her fill and what seemed like a few days later- tada