12/1/2021: Generating green ghosts
Continuing on my mantid kick, I’ve been amassing Phyllocrania paradoxa from multiple sources to create a breeding colony. Kai was able to find a young female for a good price at a local expo, and upon setting her up after two molts her color has morphed into the coveted green.
There has been back and forth debate on the environment versus genetics component of ghost mantid coloration, but considering she was chocolatey brown on arrival and her color changed rapidly in her new environment, I’m definitely erring heavily in favor of environment. While her enclosure is well-ventilated, many of the vent holes are blocked by the above container and despite the dryness of the house air causing even well-sealed containers to desiccate readily, condensation sticks around a while inside. I also have a small pothos plant nearby, which may be influencing her coloration somehow.
Regardless of coloration, ghosts are very easy and classically pretty mantids, and I look forward to seeing her ultimate coloration.

-Kyle