Mak, I believe Steve's is a smithi also. I'm pretty sure it isn't an Odontodactylus scyllarus.

Here is a decent link with some cool mantis info.

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/aquarius/index.html

It's hard to tell from the pictures, We'll know if it gets bigger it's not G.smithii as it would already be almost full grown. A better picture might help.

Van, I know it isn't a peacock, as I saw this guy at the store before Steve got it. Not real sure it's a smithi, but I am pretty sure it isn't a peacock (or maybe a VERY stressed female). A good photo to Dr. Caldwell will clarify, I'm sure.

If you've seen it first hand then I would go with your judgement as I've only seen a picture.

Well, before I bet money, I'd like to see it in a real home. It was in a stressful environment when I saw it and maybe the coloration I would expect, even from a female peacock, was very faded. If Steve can get a closeup of the head, we'll be better able to tell.

I thought it also might have been a G.Smithi. It's not as cool look'n but at least you stand a very good chance of being able to keep other stuff (except for other hard shelled critters) with it, provided that whatever you add does not try to get in the Stomatopods cave :eek: and also there is a less of a worry about him club'n trough the glass.

Which ever he/she is, he is definatly a good clubber :mrgreen: he/she was making a condo last night. One interesting thing I noticed is that last night he/she put some rocks infront of his/her front door and this moreing he/she moved them. I am going to see if he/she closes up the cave every night like this.

Beverly, it is not realy a species tank, it has hermits, snails corals ect.. and one or two Mantis.. so far no new shells lying around as I am keeping him/her well fed. I might try a couple of damsels in the tank (something cheep to see if he/she will alow room mates or not)

He/she is comming out to get food but he/she isn't comfterable enuf to stay out long enuf for a pic yet.. but as soon as I get a good one I will post it.

Steve

I had a small one for a few years and it closed itself in with a small rock everynight.

Steve mine spends quite a bit of time everynight closing up her cave. She makes sure it is perfect and I mean PERFECT :rolleyes: :lol: .

Also they just don't like other shelled critter's I don't think it has anything to do with them being hungry or not.