242 
Psyche 
[June-September 
Cannibalism does not appear to be part of the mating behavior, 
as it is in many other species of mantids (Roeder 1935, 1963). 
Although males fall within the prey range of females, they seem to 
escape readily unless conditions are overcrowded. Copulations last 
from 20 minutes to 1 hour. After mating, the male drops from the 
female and usually survives to inseminate several females. 
THE CAGES. 
To raise large numbers of mantids in individual cages we made 
use of materials that are readily available and inexpensive. Trans- 
parent plastic party “glasses” need only a loose fitting cover to make 
a single plastic container into a cage. We found that the covers of 
plastic (disposable) petri dishes would fit one brand of 6oz shot 
“glasses” while the bottoms would fit another. These lids can be 
drilled to take a cotton ball insert that can be wetted to provide a 
high humidity within the cages. (In Panama’s 80-100% relative 
humidity, this is not necessary.) The plastic cages can be stored on 
wooden trays, and stacked so that several hundred mantids occupy 
relatively little space. Fiber-tipped pens, sold as freezer markers, are 
excellent for marking index numbers and other data on the plastic 
cages. In natural conditions, A. falcata rests hanging from a thin 
twig. To provide a perch, we placed a piece of bamboo in each cage, 
resting diagonally from the top at one side to the bottom of the 
opposite side (Figure 2). 
6oz shot “glasses” are large enough for an adult female, but 
occasionally prove too small for an adult female to emerge success- 
fully from the final molt. Ecdysis is diurnal, quick and usually 
without complications, taking about 30 minutes for all but the final 
molt, which takes about twice as long. As the majority of the insects 
ecdyse between 10am and 3pm, we solved the cage size problem by 
watching individuals that were due to molt and removing them from 
the cage. Once molting had started, the stick with the molting 
mantid on it was placed in a piece of florists’ clay or Play-Doh. Here 
the mantid ecdysed, turned and extended its wings. After a success- 
ful molt we returned the mantid, on its stick, to the cage. 
We used several different cages in which to introduce males and 
females for mating. Out of doors we used a 2m X linX lm screened 
cage which was placed over several shrubs. Pheromone secretion by 
females, male flights and mating occurred only in the first 15 
minutes after dawn. We also used a twelve gallon glass aquarium as 
