It took some time but eventually my networking paid off. I finally have 6 female, 1 male, and 1 female nymph, european mantids.
Noone in my study group found them, despite each of us spending about 4 hours per week looking. It was all friends, neighbors and associates that would call me and saying something like, "hey, are you still looking for those bugs, 'cause I got one on my patio door screen?"
Thank you to the breeders I contacted for your time and help.
I have kind of grown fond of these bugs and after our study I may try to breed the male to some of the females and see what happens. Completely fascinating creatures.
