Mantis Care
Gambian Spotted-Eye Flower Mantis
Deroplatys Dessicata (Dead Leaf Mantis)
Many of the images on Mantis Place are from Igor Siwanowicz.
Click here for his fantastic work!
MADAGASCAN GREEN MANTIS
Tarachomantis aloatrana The Madagascan Green mantis is
a medium sized mantis reaching 3 inches long, and are medium in their
bulkiness. Differing shades of green are the common color.
The unusual aspect of this mantis is that they grow to reach adulthood
very fast, one of the fastest growing species in the world.
Food - The prey must have movement to trigger the hunt, so
crickets, flies, moths, and butterflies are good choices.
Water - Right after hatching, and for the first month or so,
the mantis nymph requires misting with water daily. From about the one
month time to adulthood, mist every other day. Once adulthood is reached
(the wings finally appear), you may reduce to twice per week.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75 degrees.
Moisture-holding substrata will help keep the humidity at about 55%
which is not only needed for successful molting, but this species needs
humidity more than other mantis. A screen top for air also serves as the
mantis’ favorite resting place. For molting, the container needs to be 2
to 3 times the length of the mantis to “crawl out of their skin.” This
mantis is cannibalistic, so only one per container.
Difficulty - Medium in difficulty in the early stages, but easier
to care for when misting is reduced to every other day/week.
Summary - The Madagascan Green Mantis is one of the most
beautiful green mantis species. For more information on
mantis, please go to
www.mantidforum.com. For supplies and mantis visit
www.mantisplace.com.
Sphodromantis lineola The African mantis is a medium-large mantis reaching 3 to 4 inches long with a bulky appearance. Colors can be tans, browns, and greens. This mantis is a hunter of its food, and will not hesitate to run after an escaping meal!
Food - The prey must have movement to
trigger the hunt, so crickets, flies, moths, and butterflies are good
food sources.
Water - Until the mantis reaches adulthood, spray every other
day. Once the mantis reaches adulthood (the wings finally appear), the
mantis will get most of the water from the food, so you may reduce
spraying to about once every other week.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75 degrees, but this mantis can live in a wide range of temperatures, so indoors it typically needs no heat source. Humidity should be about 55% which will be needed for molting. A screen top for air also serves as the mantis’ favorite resting place. For molting, the container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis for room to “crawl out of the old skin.” This mantis is cannibalistic, so only one per container.
Difficulty - This is the best mantis for a beginner because of the wide range of temperature it can endure, and the reduced watering needs.
Summary - If you want an aggressive, large, minimal care mantis that is a hunting machine, then the African Mantis is for you. If you want more information on Mantis, visit www.mantidforum.com. For supplies and mantis, visit www.mantisplace.com.
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ORCHID MANTIS
Hymenopus coronatus is possibly the worlds’ most beautiful mantis, the colors of pink and white are impressive. Yet as a hatchling, the Orchid looks like a black and red fire ant!
Food - The Orchid mantis wait for the food to come within reach, so flies are your best food source. Feed the flies honey and bee pollen to maximize natural food sources.
Water - The Orchid mantis needs twice daily misting when young, once every other day at the L-3 to L4 stages, and 1 time a week as an adult (adults have wings).
Housing - Temperature should be about 85 degrees, humidity MUST be kept at 75 % by using moisture holding substrata, and good ventilation is required. The container should be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis.
Difficulty - Lack of misting claims many young nymphs, but as adults, they are an easy species.
Summary - If it’s beauty you want-buy an Orchid. For more info, see www.mantidforum.com. For supplies and mantis, visit www.mantisplace.com.
Hierodula membranacea One of the largest mantis in the world, reaching 4 to 5 inches long! Colors range from green to brown. The Asian mantis is an ambusher, waiting for its food to come within reach, but will also stalk its prey at times.
Food - The prey must have movement to trigger the feeding so crickets, flies, moths, and butterflies, are good food sources.
Water - Every few days mist the moisture- holding substrata.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75 degrees. Moisture-holding substrata will help keep the humidity at about 55% which will be needed for molting. A screen top for air also serves as the mantis’ favorite resting place. For molting, container height should be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis for room to “crawl out of their skin.” This mantis is cannibalistic, so only one per container.
Difficulty - This is one of the easiest mantis to care for, a great beginners mantis.
Summary - The Giant Asian Mantis is big and powerful, and is a super predator in the insect world. For mantis info, see www.mantidforum.com. For supplies and mantis, visit www.mantisplace.com.
Phyllocrania paradoxa At 3 inches
as an adult, you would miss this little camouflage expert in the wild.
Colors range from dark brown to light green.
Food - Ghost Mantis wait for their meals; The meal must come
within reach. Flies are the best food source.
Water - The ghost mantis needs misting 3 times a week as an
adult, and is able to live in 60% to 90% humidity.
Housing - Temperature is about 80 degrees, although they are
quite forgiving. The Ghost mantis can be housed together as cannibalism
is not the rule. Have enough food and perching places available, and you
have yourself a breeding colony!
Difficulty - Not a hard species to have at all, and the
camouflage is unbelievable! Captive bred.
Summary - Incredible appearance, communal, and they don’t eat
each other - what’s not to like about this species?
Agrionina/affinis The Budwing
Mantis is a large mantis reaching to about 4 inches, and very bulky in
size. Typically the coloration is light browns to light gray tones. The
females have very short stubby wings which is where the common name of
Budwing originated.
FOOD - This mantis is not hard to feed at all! The Budwing mantis
will eat just about any thing you put in the habitat. Crickets and flies
are the most common feeder insects used in the raising of the Budwing.
They will take mealworms, especially from forceps.
WATER - As an adult, mist the habitat every 3 or 4 days.
HOUSING - The ideal temperature is about 82 degrees, but at
normal room temperature the Budwing will do fine. The lower the
temperature, the less the mantis will eat and move around, but for
normal growth and activity levels, keep the temperature about 82
degrees. Mantises need 2 to 3 times the length of their body to molt
successfully. They literally crawl out of their skin, and need to have
room to do this, or it will result in a bad molt, which leads to
deformity or death. If the Budwing has wings the molting is completed,
so there is no danger.
DIFFICULTY - The Budwing is a great beginner’s mantis, it is
easy to care for and it gets big!
Summery - There are 4 mantis that I would recommend to beginners,
and the Budwing is one of those.
Cilnia humeralis The Wide Armed
Mantis is a medium sized mantis. Adult female is very bulky and has body
length of around 2.5 to 3-inch while male adult is slender and about
2.5-inch in length. As the name implies its front arms are bigger in
girth than most mantis species. The coloration is typically green or
brown. But this species changes color several times especially after
each molt.
Food - The wide armed mantis will eat house flies, crickets moths
and butterflies.
Water - As nymphs the container must be misted daily. After
the mantis turns adult (the wings appear) mist the container 2-3 times
per week.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75-85 degrees.
Moisture-holding substrata such as Perlite or Sphagnum moss should be
used to hold humidity levels at about 60 % and above which is necessary
for the molting process. The container needs to be 2 to 3 times the
length of the mantis so there is enough height for successful molting.
This mantis is cannibalistic, so only one mantis per container. Provide
some sticks in your cage too as this species likes hanging out on the
twigs.
Difficulty - The Wide Armed Mantis is a fairly easy mantis to
keep, and is a fairly aggressive feeder.
Summary - If you are looking for an impressive powerful looking
hunter, the Wide Armed Mantis is for you!
GAMBIAN BOXER MANTIS
OXYPILUS DISTINCTUS - This is a small flower mantis grows up
to just 1 inch. They are originally from Gambia and resemble mantis
with combination of Ceratomantis and boxer mantis, i.e. large raptorial
arm with “Horns” on the head.
Food - The hatchling of this species is very small, so feed them
small fruit flies from L1-L4, and move on to eat house
flies, moths and butterflies when larger. This species is aggressive
and will attack any prey.
Water- This species does not need frequent misting. 1-2 times
every week is sufficient for nymphs from L1-L4, and only once a week is
required after that but also a good idea to mist the surrounding when
all signs point to a nymph getting ready to molt (rejecting food, moving
slowly, etc). After you spray once, if the mantis bends down to drink,
spray a second time. If the mantis doesn't bend down, do not spray again
for several days.
Housing - This species needs higher temperature at around 85 F
but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The container needs
to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height
for successful molting. It is always advisable to keep this species
individually.
Difficulty - This species is not difficult to raise. Feed
them mainly flying insects. They grow rather fast with sufficient food
and warmth.
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic flower mantis, this is
the mantis for you!
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GAMBIAN SPOTTED-EYE FLOWER MANTIS
PSEUDOHARPAX VIRESCEN - This is a
small flower mantis grows up to just 1 inch. They are originally from
Gambia and has two “eyes” on the abdomen from dorsal view.
Food - The hatchling of this species is very small, so feed them
small fruit flies from L1-L4, and move on to eat house
flies, moths and butterflies when larger. This species is aggressive
and will attack any prey.
Water - This species does not need frequent misting. 1-2
times every week is sufficient for nymphs from L1-L4, and only once a
week is required after that but also a good idea to mist the surrounding
when all signs point to a nymph getting ready to molt (rejecting food,
moving slowly, etc). After you spray once, if the mantis bends down to
drink, spray a second time. If the mantis doesn't bend down, do not
spray again for several days.
Housing - This species needs higher temperature at around 85 F
but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The container needs
to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height
for successful molting. It is always advisable to keep this species
individually.
Difficulty - This species is not difficult to raise. Feed
them mainly flying insects. They grow rather fast with sufficient food
and warmth.
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic flower mantis, this is
the mantis for you!
BLEPHAROPSIS MENDICA - The devil’s flower mantis grows up to about 2 -3 inches. This is a desert species with nice coloration, showing light green and white stripes.
Food - The hatchling of this species is very small, so feed them
small fruit flies from L1-L4, and move on hydei fruit flies, house flies, crickets moths and butterflies when larger. This species is
aggressive and will attack any prey.
Water - This species does not require frequent misting. Spray
this species once every two weeks - It will get it's water from it's
food.
Housing - This species needs higher temperature at around 85-95 F
but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The container needs
to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height
for successful molting. This species is very cannibalistic; it is always
advisable to keep them individually.
Difficulty - This species is not difficult to raise. Feed
them mainly flying insects. They grow slowly and the final molt can take
3-4 weeks.
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic flower mantis, this is
the mantis for you!
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PERUVIAN STICK MANTIS
Pseudovates Peruviana -
The Peruvian Stick is a medium sized mantis. As
the name implies, it has slender body resembles a twig and blended well
with its environment in the bush. The coloration is typically dark brown
with two dark markings on its wings.
Food - The Peruvian stick mantis will eat house flies, crickets moths and butterflies.
Water - This species does not need frequent misting. 2-3 times every week is sufficient for nymphs from L1-L4, and only once a week is required after that. It is also a good idea to mist the substratae when all signs point to a nymph getting ready to molt (rejecting food, moving slowly, etc).
Housing - This species needs slightly lower temperature at around 75F but will be alright to keep them at 80F. Moisture-holding substrata such as Sphagnum moss should be used to hold humidity levels at about 60% which is necessary for the molting process. The container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height for successful molting. This species is fairly communal, you can keep a few together but always have sufficient food in the cage.
Difficulty - The Peruvian Stick mantis grows slightly slower than other tropical species but is a fairly easy mantis to keep.
Summary - If you are looking for a twig mimicking species with nice coloration, the Peruvian Stick mantis is for you!
SOUTH AMERICAN
GREEN MANTIS
Oxyopsis gracilis
The South American Green Mantis is a medium sized
mantis, with the females reaching 3” in length, while the males reach
about 1-1/2” in length. As the name implies the color of this species is
typically green.
Food - The Peruvian Mantis will eat house flies, crickets, moths, and butterflies.
Water - As nymphs the container must be misted 2 to 3 times per week.After the mantis turns adult (the wings appear) mist the container once per week. As the nymph rejects food and begins to move slower, mist the container, as these are signs that the nymph is about to molt.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75 to 80 degrees.Moisture-holding substrata such as Sphagnum moss should be used to hold humidity levels at about 60% which is necessary for the molting process. The container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height for successful molting. This mantis is cannibalistic, so only one mantis per container.
Difficulty - The South American Mantis is a fairly easy mantis to keep.
Summary - If you are looking for a
medium sized green tropical mantis, the South American Mantis is for
you!
Tarachodes sp. The Tarachodes
Mantis grows to be about 2” in length, in both the male and female.. The
coloration is the outstanding trait of this species, as it is one of the
few mantids that look just like tree bark.
Food - The Tarachodes Mantis will eat fruit flies as a young
nymph, and as an adult prefers flies, moths, and butterflies.
Water - As nymphs, the container must be misted every 1-2
times per week. After the mantis turns adult (the wings appear) mist the
container twice per week. After you spray once, if the mantis bends down
to drink, spray a second time. If the mantis doesn't bend down, do not
spray again for several days.
Housing - Temperature should be about 78 degrees.
Moisture-holding substrata such as Sphagnum moss should be
used to hold humidity levels at about 70 % which is necessary for the
molting process. This species needs branches to camouflage themselves.
The container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there
is enough height for successful molting. This mantis is cannibalistic,
so only one mantis per container.
Difficulty -The Tarachodes Mantis is medium in it’s
difficulty level. When supplying branches, be sure there is enough room
for molting if the mantis hangs from the branch. This will probably
require a larger enclosure, and creative branch attaching.
Summary -The Tarachodes Mantis is one of the most unusual colored
species available. If you like the challenge of setting up a unique
enclosure, take on Tarachodes!
Wahlbergii Mantis
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii The Wahlbergii Mantis is known by
several names: Wahlbergii, Spiny Flower Mantis, and also the #9 Mantis
due to the wing markings looking like the number nine. The #9 Mantis is
a smaller sized mantis, with the females reaching 1-1/2 inches, and the
males reaching 1-1/4 inches. The coloration is a collage of green
stripes and spots of color that help it blend in with the flowers it
ambushes prey on. The # 9 on the back is bright yellow, and possibly
mirrors a large eye to ward off predators.
Food -The #9 Mantis is a “waiter” not a stalker. Flying food is
best, if not mandatory. When first born, fruit flies, and then
houseflies and blue bottle flies as the mantis can handle the size.
Water - The #9 Mantis gets most of its liquid from its food,
but the need for high humidity will require misting into a moisture
holding substrata, like Sphagnum moss.
2 to 3 times per week is best. .
Housing - Temperature should be about 80 degrees.
Moisture-holding substrata such as Sphagnum moss should be used to hold
humidity levels at about 65 % which is necessary for the molting
process. This mantis likes to hang and ambush, so twigs for hanging are
a good idea. Due to the high humidity, good ventilation is required to
keep bacterial infections from forming, which will kill the mantis. The
container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is
enough height for successful molting. This mantis is cannibalistic, so
only one mantis per container.
Difficulty -The #9 Mantis is a more difficult mantis to keep,
due to the high humidity levels required, which can easily cause
bacterial infections. Breeding is more difficult with this species, and
temperatures of 80 degrees may be hard to maintain.
Summary -The #9 Mantis is one of the most beautifully colored
species available. If you are looking for a challenge, this is the
mantis for you!
Giant
Shield Mantis
Rhombodera sp. - The Giant Shield Mantis lives up to its name
with extended thorax mimicking a leaf in the wild and blend in well in
the bush. The female mantis grows to about 3" long (8cm). The coloration
is a green body and blue hue on the head, which is very unusual.
Food - The Giant Shield Mantis nymphs feed on fruit flies as
hatchlings, and will move on to house flies and small crickets after 3-4
molts, and blue bottles or other flying insects when larger. Thus
species is a feeding machine, so plenty of food needs to be available
before cannibalism kicks in.
Water - This species requires 60-70% humidity, so spraying
once or twice a
day will be necessary, with Sphagnum moss as a substrata. Good
ventilation is essential.
Housing - The Giant Shield Mantis likes branches with leaves to
hang on as
they do in the wild. the cage needs three times the length of the
mantis. Temperature should be about 80°-90F.
Difficulty - This species is not difficult to keep, but
appears to be a
challenge in breeding. Also, cannibalism is very common for this
aggressive species.
Summary - If you are looking for a exotic leaf-like mantis, the
giant
shield mantis fits the bill!
Giant Devils Flower Mantis
Idolmantis diabolica - The Giant Devils Flower Mantis is (we
think!) the most impressive of the flower mantids. With white, burgundy,
brown, and green colorations, it is stunning. Diabolica is a larger
sized mantis, with sexual differences in two areas; the females have six
to seven abdomen segments, the males eight, and the antennae of the male
are feathery and split, while the females are thin and straight. Both
male and female have full wings.
Food - Diabolica is a flower mantis, so flying food is required,
as they do not tend to hunt ground prey. Some have reported feeding
crickets can result in females laying infertile ooths. From L1-L2 the
mantis will eat Hydei fruit flies; by L3-L4 they will move onto
houseflies, and then blue bottle flies as well as larger flying insects.
Be sure to feed the flies honey before feeding the mantis.
Water - Until adulthood, when molts are finished, spray the
mantis enclosure to maintain a 70-85% humidity level when molting, the
humidity helps to soften the skin. Once adult, no misting is required.
Housing - The enclosure needs adequate height for molting; three
times the length of the mantis. Diabolica will sit in the same place for
days, so perching branches are a good addition, as silk flowers, which
will replicate the environment mantis lives in, and are non-toxic. The
temperature should be about 80-90F and can take a night drop of 75-80F.
A substrate of sphagnum moss will help keep humidity levels up.
Difficulty - Not for beginners. Breeding and incubating
ootheca is more difficult than other mantids. Molting prior to adulthood
is still a challenge to many keepers.
Summary - The Idolomantis diabolica
is probably the most sought after mantis in the world due to it's large
size, amazing colorations, and pictures from Igor. If you are
hooked on raising mantids, this has got to end up in your collection!!
Dead Leaf Mantis
Deroplyats dessicata - The Dead Leaf Mantis lives up to
its name with various shades of browns and patterning just like a dead
leaf. This mantis is a larger size with an extended shield on thorax,
and when frightened, will drop to the ground and play dead! When
frightened, the Dead Leaf Mantis will place it's forearms on it's head
and spread it's wings.
Food - The dead leaf mantis nymph will move to the larger
hydei fruit flies almost immediately, due to their large hatchling size.
This species is similar to ghost and violin mantids in that it tends to
wait for food rather than stalk it. Therefore flies are the best food
source, but occasionally, crickets can be offered.
Water - This species requires 70% humidity, so spraying once or
twice a day will be necessary, with Sphagnum moss as a substrata.
Housing - The dead leaf likes branches to hang on, and dead
leafs on those branches would replicate what the mantis would do in the
wild. Since this mantis gets so long, remember the container needs three
times the length of the mantis. Temperature should be about 80°F.
Difficulty - Some sources say this mantis is easy, others
difficult. If you don't mind misting and keeping 80°F as a temperature,
this mantis is average difficulty. (This species is also vulnerable when
it comes to molting, and can go on without food many days after
molting.)
Summary - If you are looking for a large, cryptic
mantis, the Dead Leaf Mantis fits the bill!
Violin Mantis
Gongylus gongylodes - The Violin Mantis grows up to about 4-5
inches and is one of the largest species. This species has nice
rust/brown coloration. The elongated thorax really creates an unusual
look. This is where the name Violin Mantis is originated.
Food - The Violin Mantis is a master of catching flying insects,
which is why you should feed them mainly flies. The hatchling of this
species is very large with long legs, feed them Hydei fruit flies from
L1-L2, and move on to house flies, Blue Bottle flies, moths, and
butterflies when larger. This species is one of the few communal
species.
Water - This species does not require constant misting, but
keep humidity at 50%. Sphagnum moss is a good substrata.
Housing - This species requires temperature at around 85-100°(F)
during the day, and around 80° (F) at night. The container needs to be
two to three times the length of the mantis so there is enough height
for successful molting. As this is a communal species, you can keep a
group of them in the same cage but do not overcrowd the enclosure.
Difficulty - This species is not for a beginner as it needs
plenty of heat and specific food requirements. They require flying
insects as they tend to wait for their prey to come in reach.. They grow
slowly and the final molt can take 3-4 weeks. (High temperature of 100F
is required to initiate mating).
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic and unusual mantis,
this is the one for you!
Acromantis Farmosana - The Taiwan
flower mantis grows up to about 1-1.5 inches. This is the only
Acromantis species from Taiwan. They are skittish species but nice brown
color. Female can be identify with pointy wing at the end (near
abdomen).
Food - The hatchling of this species is small and feed on fruit
flies from L1-L3, and move on to house flies, medium size crickets,
moths and butterflies when larger (L5/l6 and above). They prefer flying
insects.
Water - This species need misting once every 2 days but
ventilation is important for this species to keep them healthy.
Housing - This species needs moderately higher temperature at
around 85 F but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The
container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is
enough height for successful molting. It is always advisable to keep
them individually.
Difficulty - This species is not too difficult to rear. Feed
them mainly flying insects. They grow very fast with plenty of food and
warmth.
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic flower mantis, this is
the mantis for you!
Theopompa Ophthalmica - This is a
medium size bark mantis grows up to about 2 inches. They can be found
around Eastern and South East Asia. Very colorful mantis with nice color
stripe on the body for camouflage purpose during nymphs stage. They also
appear to be a nocturnal species prefer to feed later in the afternoon.
Food - The hatchling of this species is very small but bulky,
so feed them small fruit flies from L1-L4, and move on to stick mantis
will eat house flies, moths and crickets when larger. This species is
moderate in aggressiveness and feed sparingly.
Water - This species needs frequent misting. 1-2 times everyday
is required for nymphs from L1-L4, and once every other day is required
after that but also a good idea to mist the surrounding when all signs
point to a nymph getting ready to molt (rejecting food, moving slowly,
etc). This species required a higher humidity.
Housing - This species needs lower temperature at around 75 F.
The container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there
is enough height for successful molting. It is always advisable to keep
this species individually. Tree bark is also required in the cage as
this species does not climb the plastic or glass wall very well.
Difficulty - This species required additional care and is not
recommended for beginner
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic and colorful bark
mantis, this is the mantis for you!
East Asian Ant Mantis - Odontomantis Planiceps
Odontomantis planiceps - This is
a small mantis grows up to just 1 inch. They are originally from East
Asia and nymphs resembles little ant.
Food - The hatchling of this species is very small, so feed
them small fruit flies from L1-L4, and move on to stick mantis will eat
house flies, moths, crickets, and samll butterflies when larger. This
species is aggressive and will attack any prey.
Water - This species need frequent misting, 1-2 times everyday
day is necessary for nymphs from L1-L4, and only once every other day
after that but also a good idea to mist the surrounding when all signs
point to a nymph getting ready to molt (rejecting food, moving slowly,
etc).
Housing - This species needs higher temperature at around 85 F
but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The container needs
to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is enough height
for successful molting. It is always advisable to keep this species
individually.
Difficulty - This species is not difficult to raise. They are
eager eaters and not choosy on prey. They grow rather fast with
sufficient food and warmth.
Summary - If you are looking for an aggressive mantis with ant
appearance, this is the mantis for you!
Pnigomantis medioconstricta This
is one of the most colorful mantids to come out of Indonesia,
specifically the Island of Flores. The females grow to 4 inches in
length, and both sexes have brown as the main color, but the nymphs are
much brighter in both green and brown colorations. Nymphs seem to be
more prone to green colorations when the humidity is kept high.
Food - This species has large overall size, and is aggressive
in feeding. The female eats small vertebrates without hesitation!
Feeding can be quite entertaining; this mantis will stalk and pounce.
Water - This species can go about a week without misting, nymphs
twice a week.
Housing - Temperature should be about 85 degrees, with
humidity about 45%. Split siblings before L3, or cannibalism will be the
rule, not the exception.
Difficulty - Very easy species to keep, be sure to give
enough vertical room to molt.
Summary - Pnigomantis medioconstricta are an entertaining
feeder, brightly colored as nymphs, and have bulky size, all good
traits!
PHYLLOVATES CHLOROPHAEA - The
popular native species of the USA grows up to about 3 inches. This is a
species found only near Southern Texas bordering Mexico. It is one of
the two species of native mantis that grow “horn” on the head (the other
is Arizona unicorn mantis).
Food - The hatchling of this species is very active, they are
not skittish species and able to handle prey the size of their body.
Feed them fruit flies from L1-L3, and move on to house flies, crickets
moths and butterflies when larger. This species is a good feeder and
will attack any prey.
Water - This species need misting once every 2-3 days but
ventilation is important for this species to keep them healthy.
Housing - This species needs moderately higher temperature at
around 85-90 F but will be alright to keep them at 70-80F at night. The
container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis so there is
enough height for successful molting. This species is a communal species
and you can keep a group of them in a large net as long as it is not too
crowded.
Difficulty - This species is not too difficult to rear. Feed them
mainly flying insects. They grow very fast with plenty of food and
warmth. Adult male is vulnerable to female’s attack during courtship, so
just make sure that female has plenty of food before pairing up an adult
pair.
Summary - If you are looking for an exotic native mantis, this
is the mantis for you!
Ceratomantis saussurii - is another fascinating small mantis from
Indonesia (Central Thailand). Adult females and males grow up to 1 inch
in length. Freshly hatched nymphs L1 are 2-3 mm in length. Nymphs in all
stages are milky white/brown. Adult mantids are white with brown and
black spots on their bodies. Males are capable to fly. Mantids in all
stages are using their front legs to communicate with each other or to
scare off any
kind of predator.
Food - Nymphs L1-L2 are big enough to capture fruit flies. Adult mantids can capture insects that are at least their own size. Those include flies, moths, crickets etc.
Water - since those species live in the tropical forest in Indonesia mantids in all stages need to be sprayed at least 3-4 times a week.
Housing - Temperature should be about 75-90 degrees. Moisture-holding substrata will help keep the humidity at about 60-80% which is needed for successful molting. A screen top for air also serves as the mantis' favorite resting place. For molting, the container needs to be 2 to 3 times the length of the mantis to "crawl out of their skin." Nymphs L1-L3 can be keep together but in L4 all nymphs should be separated, one mantis per container.
Difficulty - Medium in difficulty to keep. If you breed any other flower mantid you can try to get few nymphs Ceratomantis saussurii.
Summary - Ceratomantis saussurii is a really amazing species of mantids to watch, much more interesting than any other small species of mantids because of their amazing behavior.
Creobroter gemmatus - The Indian Flower Mantis is a smaller
mantis with the adult females reaching about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in
length, the males are slightly smaller. Both male and female are green
and white with a distinctive yellow spot encircled in black on the back
that looks like a large eye. It is believed this is a defense against
predators. The wings under the cover wings are an intense red with
black, and when displayed, this is an awesome color show! The young
nymphs are colored in red, brown, and black, which disguises them to
look like fire ants or assassin bugs.
Food - The nymphs are small and will eat Melanogaster fruit
flies in L1/L2, and will move on to Hydei fruit flies about L3/L4. Being
a flower mantis, the "wait for my dinner" approach requires you have
insects that come to the mantis, not ground crawlers. The best food
source is house flies and blue bottle flies, and any butterflies or
moths will be eaten immediately as well.
Water - This species comes from the rain forests of Indonesia, so
high humidity is required. Nymphs should be misted lightly twice a day
as L1/L2, and once a day until adulthood. As adults once every other day
should be adequate.
Housing - This species requires higher temperatures than many
other species, around 85 degrees ( 30 Celsius). Breeders report that
Nymphs can be kept up to L4 in group housing, but I would suggest
splitting them into their own containers by L3. Be sure the height of
the container is 2 to 3 times the length of the mantid when it hangs
from it's back legs, to facilitate molting.
Difficulty - With the exception of the misting requirements
as nymphs, this species is not difficult to raise.
Summary - This species has some of the brightest colors when
displaying. It is a small flower mantis, but a great addition to any
keepers collection.
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Sybilla dolosa - The Sybilla dolosa is
one of the most amazing looking of the mantis species. The wings are a
bright green and are shaped in a perfect oval. The rest of the mantis is
dark brown, which gives it great contrast. The females reach about 2
inches (5 centimeters), the males are slightly smaller. The body is
SKINNY with grows at the leg joints that look like dead
leaves-impressive!
Food - As with most mantids, the nymphs will be on the 2 sizes of
fruit flies, and then progress to house flies and blue bottle flies.
Water - Nymphs should be sprayed twice a day in L1/L2, and
once a day L3 to adulthood. After adulthood, once every 2 days should be
enough.
Housing - This species is a communal species, and can exist
together without cannibalism. That being said, any "communal" species
will cannibalize given lack of food/room. As always give enough room to
molt. The enclosure should have branches and leaves, as ooths are laid
on the leaves regularly. Temperature should be 80 degrees ( 26 Celsius
), and humidity should be kept high, about 80%.
Difficulty - This is a very skinny dainty mantid, and when
young, can be easily lost in the container, especially if you use moss
as a substrata! The food accordingly must be smaller, it will be several
instars before house flies can be introduced.
Summary - Exotic, cryptic, weird, this mantis has it all!!