Before we get into everything, can we just admire how beautiful and pink my baby girl Halo is? I hate to say it, but, she may be my favorite orchid mantis.

Special Delivery for Honey

Today felt like one of those days that just hits different. The kind of day where a package arrives and instantly shifts the entire energy of your space.

I received a special delivery… and it came with a very special surprise.

Meet Ballerina

First up, I welcomed Ballerina, my new subadult Jewel Mantis, and I am completely obsessed.

She is currently in her subadult stage, meaning she is just one molt away from becoming a fully winged, breathtaking adult. Watching mantises at this stage feels like witnessing a transformation in progress… like something beautiful that hasn’t fully revealed itself yet.

Jewel mantises (Creobroter species) are known for their intricate, almost floral patterns and delicate but regal structure. They carry this effortless elegance, which is exactly why the name Ballerina fits her so perfectly.

She’s already stunning… but what’s coming next is going to be unreal.

Meet Winter

Next, I received Winter, my Goliath Pink Toe Tarantula, and she already has such a calm, powerful presence.

This species is known for its impressive size, soft pink-toned toes, and arboreal lifestyle. As they mature, they become incredibly striking—bold, elegant, and impossible to ignore.

Her name carries meaning. Winter is named after my Caribena sling that passed away, so this feels like a quiet continuation… a full-circle moment in a way that feels both emotional and beautiful.

There’s something about her that feels grounding, but still so luxe.

The Surprise Baby

And then… the surprise.

They included a baby Spiny Flower Mantis, and this is officially the tiniest mantis I have ever owned.

I already have two older spiny mantids, Sienna and Sage, so adding a baby into the collection just feels right. But this one? Completely different energy.

I haven’t named it yet—and I’m not rushing it. I don’t know the gender, and I want the personality to reveal itself first.

What I do know is that this little one does not sit still. Constant movement, constant exploring… pure curiosity in its smallest form.

Spiny flower mantises (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) are known for their dramatic patterns, spiked appearance, and bold displays as they grow. Right now, it’s just a tiny black speck… but soon it will transform into something incredibly detailed and striking.

Final Thoughts

Days like this remind me why I love this so much. It’s not just about collecting—it’s about transformation, energy, and creating something beautiful in your space.

From Ballerina’s upcoming glow-up, to Winter’s quiet strength, to my tiny unnamed chaos baby… this delivery was everything.

And I’m still not over it.